Palestinian

American  

[pal-uh-stin-ee-uhn] / ˌpæl əˈstɪn i ən /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Palestine.

2. Also called Palestinian Arab.  an Arab formerly living in Palestine who advocates the establishment of an Arab homeland there.

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adjective

1. of or relating to Palestine or Palestinians.

2. of or relating to Palestinian Arabs.

   Palestinian guerrillas.

Palestinian British  

/ ˌpælɪˈstɪnɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Palestine

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of the former British mandate, or their descendants, esp such Arabs now living in the Palestinian Administered Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, or Israel, or as refugees from Israeli-occupied territory

Etymology

Origin of Palestinian

Palestin(e) + -ian

Example Sentences

They were eventually told by a local Palestinian official that Subaih's body was being retained by the IDF, the crew member said.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Like so much here, the space had a vintage feel, with old tile floors and walls hung with faded photographs of a visit to Cuba by Yasser Arafat, the long-deceased Palestinian leader.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Among the 30,000 people attending the poignant ceremony, known as the Way of the Cross, was Sarah, a Palestinian Catholic.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A year later, Beijing played host to the leaders of 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Liyana didn’t wear necklaces herself, but selected a turquoise one strung with antique Palestinian coins.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye