First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
holocaust
noun ho·lo·caust \ˈhō-lə-ˌkȯst, ˈhä- also -ˌkäst or ˈhȯ-lə-kȯst\
the Holocaust : the killing of millions of Jews and other people by the Nazis during World War II
: an event or situation in which many people are killed and many things are destroyed especially by fire
Full Definition of HOLOCAUST
1
: a sacrifice consumed by fire
2
: a thorough destruction involving extensive loss of life especially through fire <a nuclear holocaust>
3
a often capitalized : the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II —usually used with the b : a mass slaughter of people; especially : genocide
See holocaust defined for English-language learners
See holocaust defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of HOLOCAUST
Middle English, from Late Latin holocaustum, from Greek holokauston, from neuter of holokaustos burnt whole, from hol- + kaustos burnt, from kaiein to burn — more at caustic
Related to HOLOCAUST
- Synonyms
- conflagration, fire, inferno
Other History Terms
Rhymes with HOLOCAUST
HOLOCAUST Defined for Kids
holocaust
noun ho·lo·caust \ˈhä-lə-ˌkȯst, ˈhō-lə-\
Definition of HOLOCAUST for Kids
1
: a complete destruction especially by fire
2
often cap : the killing of civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II
Learn More About HOLOCAUST
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: holocellulosePrevious Word in the Dictionary: holocarpousAll Words Near: holocaust
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up holocaust? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).