Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

shtetl

noun

ˈʃtɛtəl

Definition

A small Jewish town or village in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Russia.

Examples

The shtetl system was a significant aspect of Jewish life in Eastern Europe.
Many stories and literature depict life in a shtetl during the early 20th century.
Her grandparents immigrated from a small shtetl in Poland.

Meaning

The term specifically refers to the historical communities where Jews lived, often characterized by a close-knit community lifestyle and rich cultural traditions.