Israelite

[iz-ree-uh-lahyt, -rey-] /ˈɪz ri əˌlaɪt, -reɪ-/
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
3.
of or pertaining to ancient Israel or its people; Hebrew.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English; see Israel, -ite1
Related forms
non-Israelite, noun
pre-Israelite, adjective, noun
British Dictionary definitions for israelites

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
Word Origin and History for israelites

Israelite

n.

late 14c., from Latin israelita, from Greek Israelites, from Israel (see Israel).

israelites in Culture

Israelites definition


The descendants of Jacob, who made up twelve tribes, including the tribes of Judah, Levi, Reuben, and Benjamin.