# kosher

/ˈkoʊʃɝ/ (US) · /kˈəʊʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kosher
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

describing food that is prepared according to Jewish law. In a more general way, it means something is honest, legal, or correct.

For teachers: conforming to Jewish dietary laws; in a broader secular context, satisfying requirements of legitimacy, honesty, or correctness. Often used predicatively to describe a situation or deal.

## Examples

- The restaurant serves only kosher meat.
- The lawyer checked the contract to make sure the entire deal was completely kosher.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem' when used in its informal sense of 'legitimate'.

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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.
