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DictionaryshekelMonetary unit
noun

shekel

SHEK-ul/ˈʃekl/

A unit of money, especially the currency of Israel.

The price card values the apple at one shekel.

A sparse produce-counter still life with two small price cards using the Israeli shekel symbol: one apple priced ₪1 and a pair of pears priced ₪2.
Etymology
shekelHebrewshekel, unit of weight

Hebrew sheqel appears originally to have named a unit of weight; the ancient silver coin was named for its weight. Israel’s monetary unit thus carries a name connecting money with measured silver.

In context

Natasha Kirtchuk0:06
Israeli shekel is now surging to its strongest level in more than three decades, hitting a 1993 peak against the US dollar
ISRAEL SHEKEL STRENGTHENS TO RECORD HIGH TRADING AT 2.9 SHEKELS TO THE DOLLAR

More examples

  • I exchange dollars for shekels before leaving the airport.
  • The price rises by one shekel.
  • He saves a few shekels by cooking at home.

Forms

shekel · shekels