Philistines

Cultural  

1. In the Old Testament, enemies of the Israelites in their settlement in the Promised Land. (See David and Samson.)

---

Discover More

A “philistine” has come to mean a person who is ignorant and uncultured.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, the Israelites face threats from the rival army of Philistines and the menacing scavenger tribe of Amalekites.

From The Wall Street Journal

The impoverished Palestinian territory was an important trading post for civilisations as far back as the ancient Egyptians and the Philistines depicted in the Bible, through the Roman empire and the crusades.

From Reuters

These Super Glue subversives have been derided as publicity-seeking Philistines and hailed as martyrs for a vital cause.

From Washington Post

The Goliaths from Dallas were there — they even brought their own logo-emblazoned benches to go with the throngs of blue-clad Philistines in the stands.

From Washington Times

Writer Charles Lamb worked there for 33 years, and complained that “I grow ominously tired of official confinement. Thirty years have I served the Philistines, and my neck is not subdued to the yoke.”

From Washington Post