GIMEL

GIM-el or gee-MEL

Noun5 lettersValid in our Scrabble word list
Unscramble GIMEL

Quick definition

GIMEL is the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ג), representing the 'g' sound. In word games, this 5-letter word scores 8 points in Scrabble, with G and M each contributing valuable points.

Is GIMEL a valid Scrabble word?

Yes. GIMEL is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 8 points in Scrabble, 11 in Words With Friends and 9 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.

LetterGIMELTotal
Scrabble213118
Words With Friends3141211
Wordfeud313119

Definition and meaning

Gimel stands as the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a symbol carrying millennia of linguistic, religious, and mystical significance. Written as ג in Hebrew script, gimel represents more than just a sound—it embodies concepts of movement, generosity, and spiritual journey. From ancient scrolls to modern Hebrew texts, from religious study to word games, gimel bridges the sacred and secular, connecting contemporary players to one of humanity's oldest writing systems.

In Hebrew, gimel produces a hard 'g' sound, as in "go" or "give." The letter's name itself may derive from 'gamal,' meaning camel, and ancient Hebrew pictographs indeed resembled a camel's neck and head. This association with camels—desert travelers carrying goods across vast distances—infuses gimel with themes of journey, burden-bearing, and connection between distant places. The letter's numerical value in gematria (Hebrew numerology) is 3, linking it to concepts of synthesis and balance.

Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah, attributes profound meaning to gimel. The letter's form—a vav (representing a person) with a yud (representing a foot) extended forward—depicts someone running to give charity. This interpretation connects gimel to 'gemilut chasadim' (acts of loving-kindness), one of Judaism's core values. The Talmud teaches that gimel faces the next letter, dalet (representing the poor), illustrating the wealthy running after the poor to provide assistance.

GIMEL in a sentence

  • The Hebrew teacher pointed to the board: 'After beth comes gimel, which looks like a person walking and represents the number three.'
  • In her calligraphy practice, Sarah struggled with gimel's curved stroke, which required a different wrist motion than English letters.
  • The linguistics professor explained how gimel evolved into both C and G in the Latin alphabet, demonstrating language evolution.

Synonyms

  • Aleph (א)First letter, silent consonant
  • Beth (ב)Second letter, 'b' sound
  • Daleth (ד)Fourth letter, 'd' sound
  • Kaph (כ)Eleventh letter, 'k' sound
  • Qoph (ק)Nineteenth letter, 'q' sound
  • Tav (ת)Last letter, 't' sound
  • GematriaHebrew numerology system
  • GamalCamel (possible etymology)

Word forms

  • Singular: gimel
  • Plural: gimels
  • Alternative Spelling: gimmel
  • Hebrew Form: ג

Origin

The etymology of GIMEL varies based on its origin and usage in the English language.

Anagrams, hooks and words inside GIMEL

Anagrams: GLIME

Hooks: no front hooks; back GIMELS.

Words inside GIMEL: 20 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: GLIMEGLIMGEMLIMEMEGMIGMILEELMMELMILEMGEL. See all words from GIMEL.

Related words

Did you know?

  • Gimel's shape inspired the camel constellation in ancient astronomy—early stargazers saw the letter's curved form in the night sky.
  • In the dreidel game, landing on gimel means "take all"—making it the most valuable spin and connecting to its charitable meaning.
  • Gimel is one of seven Hebrew letters that can take a dagesh (dot), changing its pronunciation from 'g' to 'gh' in some traditions.

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