# Jerusalem

/dʒɝˈusəɫəm/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the city

noun · CEFR B1

an ancient city in the Middle East that is very important to three major religions.

For teachers: a historic city located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea; it is considered holy in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

- Many people travel to Jerusalem every year to visit its famous religious sites.
- Jerusalem remains one of the oldest cities in the world, housing sites of profound spiritual importance such as the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock.

### 2. the poem/hymn

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

a famous English poem and song often sung at sports events or national celebrations.

For teachers: a poem by William Blake, set to music by Hubert Parry, which serves as a popular patriotic hymn in England.

- The crowd sang Jerusalem loudly before the start of the rugby match.
- The congregation rose to sing Jerusalem, a piece that has become an unofficial national anthem for many English cultural institutions.

Usage: Usually refers to the musical setting of William Blake's poem 'And did those feet in ancient time'.

## Examples

- Many people travel to Jerusalem to visit its historic sites.
- The Old City of Jerusalem contains significant landmarks like the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Throughout history, Jerusalem has been a site of immense spiritual significance and geopolitical complexity, drawing millions of pilgrims who seek to connect with their religious heritage.

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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.