Semite

[ sem-ahytor, especially British, see-mahyt ]

noun

1. a member of any of various ancient and modern peoples originating in southwestern Asia, including the Akkadians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Hebrews, and Arabs.
2. a Jew.
3. a member of any of the peoples descended from Shem, the eldest son of Noah.

Semite

/ ˈsiːmaɪt /

noun

1. a member of the group of Caucasoid peoples who speak a Semitic language, including the Jews and Arabs as well as the ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians
2. another word for a Jew

Semite

1. Someone who belongs to the Semitic peoples. The Semites are supposedly descended from the biblical Shem, the eldest son of Noah .

Other Words From

• non-Semite noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Semite¹

First recorded in 1870–75; from New Latin sēmīta, from Late Latin Sēm (from Greek Sḗm, from Hebrew Shēm Shem ) + -īta -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of Semite¹

C19: from New Latin sēmīta descendant of Shem, via Greek Sēm, from Hebrew Shem

Example Sentences

Charles “Father” Coughlin, a raving anti-Semite, was one of the most popular radio hosts in the country.

From The Daily Beast

Nolde was an anti-Semite and member of the Danish Nazi Party.

From The Daily Beast

It seems the death of anti-Semite Hugo Chavez did little to improve the fortunes of Venezuelan Jews.

From The Daily Beast

For the anti-Semite every rich Jew is exploitive, every poor Jew a burden on society.

From The Daily Beast

For the anti-Semite, both capitalism and Communism are Jewish plots.

From The Daily Beast

The Conservatives, hoping to win votes, even adopted an anti-Semite clause in their programme.

From Project Gutenberg

They were Semites with the inborn religious spirit which is characteristic of the Semite, and they were also a mixed race.

From Project Gutenberg

His force diminished, his numbers lessened, and the subjugated Semite increased in strength.

From Project Gutenberg

The day was fine,—the air more bracing than we had found since leaving the Yo-Semite.

From Project Gutenberg

But when it comes to calling me an anti-Semite, it is obvious you are not in a fit state to continue this interview.

From Project Gutenberg