1. an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure equal to about 2 quarts
Usage: biblical; historical
2. a period of seven weeks counted from the second day of Passover to the day before Shavot in the Jewish calendar
Usage: Jewish religious observance

Examples

• The ancient Israelites measured grain by the omer.
• An omer was roughly equivalent to two modern quarts.
• The counting of the omer begins on the second night of Passover.
• During the omer period, observant Jews count each day.
• The omer connects Passover to the festival of Shavot.
• Biblical texts reference the omer as a standard measure.
• The 49-day omer period is a time of spiritual preparation.