# Cohen

/ˈkoʊən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cohen
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. Jewish priest

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a Jewish priest who is a direct male descendant of Aaron from the Bible.

For teachers: a member of the Jewish priestly class, traditionally considered a patrilineal descendant of the biblical high priest Aaron.

- In some Jewish traditions, a Cohen is called first to read from the Torah.
- The status of a Cohen carries specific ritual responsibilities and marriage restrictions within certain branches of Orthodox Judaism.

Usage: Often spelled 'Kohen' when referring specifically to the religious role rather than the surname.

### 2. surname

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a very common Jewish family name.

For teachers: the most prevalent Jewish surname, derived from the Hebrew word for priest.

- Leonard Cohen was a famous singer and poet from Canada.
- The researcher noted that the surname Cohen appears frequently in the records of 19th-century European Jewish communities.

## Examples

- Leonard Cohen was a famous singer and poet.
- The professor noted that the name Cohen often appears in genealogical studies of the ancient priesthood.
- While the name Cohen is found globally, its distribution remains highest in communities with strong historical ties to the Levant and the subsequent diaspora across Europe and North America.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.