rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymannaMiraculous food
noun

manna

MAN-uh/ˈmænə/

Food miraculously supplied to sustain the Israelites in the biblical account.

The Israelites gather manna from the desert ground.

Israelite families gather white manna into baskets at a desert camp as a child eats some.
Etymology
mannaHebrewmanna

Mān is the ancestor of the name for food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in the wilderness. That story of nourishment provided in need underlies the broader meaning of an unexpected benefit.

More examples

  • The Israelites gather manna each morning except on the Sabbath.
  • The story describes manna as tasting like wafers made with honey.
  • In the biblical story, manna feeds the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

Forms

manna

Similar words

sustenance
Means any life-sustaining nourishment, without implying a biblical miracle.