Palestinian

American  

[pal-uh-stin-ee-uhn] / ˌpæl əˈstɪn i ən /

noun

Palestinians plural

1. a native or inhabitant of Palestine.

2. Also called Palestinian Arab.  an Arab formerly living in Palestine who advocates the establishment of an Arab homeland there.

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adjective

1. of or relating to Palestine or Palestinians.

2. of or relating to Palestinian Arabs.

   Palestinian guerrillas.

Palestinian British  

/ ˌpælɪˈstɪnɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Palestine

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of the former British mandate, or their descendants, esp such Arabs now living in the Palestinian Administered Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, or Israel, or as refugees from Israeli-occupied territory

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• Palestinians
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Palestinian

Palestin(e) + -ian

Example Sentences

“When the opportunity to speak out in support of Palestine and stand in solidarity with Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab community members on campus arose, Dr. Kil was compelled to attend,” the lawsuit states.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

Over time, many Palestinian shops in the Old City have shut, and the once vibrant thoroughfare flanked by old stone buildings now stands empty.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

Baba’s Hummus House — Baba’s Hummus House is a Palestinian American fast-casual restaurant whose food feels anything but casual.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

On top of that, the city’s first Muslim mayor has repeatedly amplified the Palestinian cause.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

“Mom went off in a Palestinian police car. She made me stay here to tell you. She is very very upset.”

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye