Israeli

[iz-rey-lee]

noun

plural

Israelis ,

plural

Israeli .

1. a native or inhabitant of modern Israel.

adjective

1. of or relating to modern Israel or its inhabitants.

Israeli

/ ɪzˈreɪlɪ /

noun

1. a citizen or inhabitant of the state of Israel

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the state of Israel or its inhabitants

Other Word Forms

• anti-Israeli noun
• pro-Israeli noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Israeli¹

First recorded in 1945–50; from Hebrew yisrāʿēlī, equivalent to Yisrā'ēl + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin; Israel

Example Sentences

On Saturday, for a second day running, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise block, the Sussi Tower, in the enclave's largest urban area.

From BBC

At least 64,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry.

From BBC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke "at length" with the parents of both men following the video's release, according to a statement from his office.

From BBC

Rows of tents - which have sprung up over the city to shelter Palestinians displaced by the Israeli military campaign - have also disappeared over the past month, the images show.

From BBC

Israeli leaders in recent weeks announced new settlements in the West Bank and said that the military would proceed with an all-out assault against Gaza City.

From Salon