Israelite

[ iz-ree-uh-lahyt, -rey- ]

noun
  1. a descendant of Jacob, especially a member of the Hebrew people who inhabited the ancient kingdom of Israel.

  2. one of a group considered by its members or by others as God's chosen people.

adjective
  1. of or relating to ancient Israel or its people; Hebrew.

Origin of Israelite

1
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at Israel, -ite1

Other words from Israelite

  • non-Is·ra·el·ite, noun
  • pre-Is·ra·el·ite, adjective, noun

Words Nearby Israelite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use Israelite in a sentence

  • "If this be the case thou wert right," answered the mayor, and the Israelite departed in peace.

  • Who would have guessed that there was so much humor in an Israelite?

    Paul Patoff | F. Marion Crawford
  • It was the Israelite out of the land of Egypt, whom Assarac had released from his bonds, at liberty, and about to depart.

    Sarchedon | G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville
  • Then they dragged the young Israelite into the terrible presence of Pharaoh, pale and faint with mortal fear.

    Sarchedon | G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville

British Dictionary definitions for Israelite

Israelite

/ (ˈɪzrɪəˌlaɪt, -rə-) /


noun
  1. Bible a member of the ethnic group claiming descent from Jacob; a Hebrew

  2. Bible a citizen of the kingdom of Israel (922 to 721 bc) as opposed to Judah

  1. a member of any of various Christian sects who regard themselves as God's chosen people

  2. an archaic and sometimes offensive word for a Jew

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012