Word of the Day – Shibboleth

Shibboleth (noun)

shib-oh-leth

A custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.

Mid 17th century: from Hebrew šibbōleṯ ‘ear of corn’, used as a test of nationality by its difficult pronunciation (Judg. 12:6).

Example sentences

“It’s time to leave our economic shibboleth behind and create a new future.”