1. slang A coin. A reference to the chief silver coin of the ancient Hebrews that was equal to a unit of weight of the same name. Give me a shekel to turn on this old jukebox, would ya? The bank wouldn't lend me a single shekel after my business when bankrupt.

2. slang Money in general. In this usage, the term is always pluralized. You better start saving your shekels if you want to take such a luxurious trip.