Israelite

[ iz-ree-uh-lahyt, -rey- ]

noun

1. a descendant of Jacob, especially a member of the Hebrew people who inhabited the ancient kingdom of Israel.
2. one of a group considered by its members or by others as God's chosen people.

adjective

1. of or relating to ancient Israel or its people; Hebrew.

Israelite

/ ˈɪzrɪəˌlaɪt; -rə- /

noun

1. Bible a member of the ethnic group claiming descent from Jacob; a Hebrew
2. Bible a citizen of the kingdom of Israel (922 to 721 bc ) as opposed to Judah
3. a member of any of various Christian sects who regard themselves as God's chosen people
4. an archaic and sometimes offensive word for a Jew

Other Words From

• non-Isra·el·ite noun
• pre-Isra·el·ite adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Israelite¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; Israel, -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that celebrates the fall harvest and commemorates the biblical story of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years after escaping slavery in Egypt.

From Los Angeles Times

"When the Israelites came into their promised land, they didn't just march in and take it," Rebbe Mastriano told the faithful.

From Salon

Robinson, who is originally from Tamworth, Staffordshire, told jurors she was following the teachings of her religion, the Black Hebrew Israelites, which preached punishing children.

From BBC

Passover is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated over the course of a week, that commemorates the biblical story of the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

From Seattle Times

Passover is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated over seven or eight days each year, commemorating the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in the Bible.

From Seattle Times