1. the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jewish people by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II
Usage: capitalized when referring to the specific historical event
2. destruction or slaughter on a mass scale, especially caused by fire or nuclear war
Usage: general usage
3. a burnt offering in ancient religious sacrifice
Usage: historical; religious context

Examples

• The Holocaust Memorial Museum educates visitors about the Nazi genocide.
• Survivors of the Holocaust shared their stories with students.
• The nuclear holocaust depicted in the film was terrifying.
• Environmental activists warned of an ecological holocaust.
• The ancient temple required a holocaust as part of the ritual.
• Many families lost relatives during the Holocaust.
• The documentary examined the causes of the Holocaust.