Maccabean

American  

[mak-uh-bee-uhn] / ˌmæk əˈbi ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Maccabees or Judas Maccabaeus.

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Maccabean British  

/ ˌmækəˈbiːən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Maccabees or to Judas Maccabaeus, the Jewish leader of a revolt (166–161 _bc ) against Seleucid oppression

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Etymology

Origin of Maccabean

First recorded in 1815–25; Maccabe(es) + -an

Example Sentences

Jesus refused to be the nationalistic leader many Jews wanted, as they demonstrated when they waved palm branches—a symbol of the previously successful Maccabean Revolt—at his entry into Jerusalem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

According to National Geographic, the Talmud, a Jewish holy text, states that Hanukkah acknowledges the Maccabean revolt the Hebrews led against the Hellenistic influence that was being imposed by Greco-Syrian Seleucid rulers.

From Fox News • Nov. 28, 2021

His historical thinking goes back to the destruction of the last Jewish sovereign nation, the Maccabean kingdom at the end of the Second Temple era 2,000 years ago.

From Slate • May 16, 2018

Memory of the Maccabean era of war and autonomy inspired the Jewish zealots of 67 to 73 C.E. who led the costly losing struggle against Rome that led to the destruction of Jerusalem.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2013

Some of the boldest of the war party one day seized the fortress of Masada, near the Dead Sea, built by Jonathan the Maccabean, and fortified by Herod.

From Ancient States and Empires by Lord, John