patriarchs

Cultural

In the Old Testament, the “founding fathers” of the Israelites: Abraham and Isaac, Jacob, and the sons of Jacob. (See Joseph and his brothers.)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Cave of the Patriarchs - also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque - is revered by Jews, Muslims and Christians as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob's burial place.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Zion Canyon was named by Mormons in the late 19th century, and other landmarks bearing religious names abound — Hall of the Patriarchs, Tabernacle Dome, Cathedral Mountain.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2023

Former Vice President Mike Pence last week made a visit to Hebron, where he and his wife Karen paid a visit to the Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs.

From Fox News • Mar. 14, 2022

He visited the traditional burial place of Abraham, the biblical patriarch revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims, at a site known as the Cave of the Patriarchs.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2022

I think Overbearing Eurocentric Patriarchs would be perfect, but I don’t suggest it.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023