sabra

[ sah-bruh, -brah ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) a person born in Israel.

sabra

/ ˈsɑːbrə /

noun

1. a native-born Israeli Jew

Word History and Origins

Origin of sabra¹

1940–45; < colloquial Modern Hebrew sabre literally, prickly pear < Arabic ṣabrah

Word History and Origins

Origin of sabra¹

from Hebrew Sabēr prickly pear, common plant in the coastal areas of the country

Example Sentences

The word also refers to the sabra plant, a type of prickly pear endemic in the Middle East.

From Washington Times

But the hardy sabra bushes remained an indelible part of the landscape even after most traces of the villages were erased.

From New York Times

Mr. Oz was a sabra, or native-born Israeli who grew up in Jerusalem when it was under British control.

From Washington Post

It fell in love with the young sabras who had beaten three Arab armies.

From BBC

In their ethnic garb, often with no knowledge of Hebrew, they struck the native-born Israeli sabras and the European Ashkenazim as provincial and uneducated.

From New York Times