Meaning of the word holocaust in English

What does holocaust mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

holocaust

US /ˈhɑː.lə.kɑːst/
UK /ˈhɒl.ə.kɔːst/
"holocaust" picture

Noun

1.

a large-scale destruction, especially by fire or nuclear war

Example:
The city was reduced to ashes in a fiery holocaust.
Fears of a nuclear holocaust gripped the world during the Cold War.
2.

the mass murder of Jews under the Nazi regime during World War II

Example:
Millions of Jews perished during the Holocaust.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust.