Hebrew

noun

He·​brew ˈhē-(ˌ)brü 

1

a

: the Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews

b

: any of various later forms of this language

2

: a member of or descendant from one of a group of northern Semitic peoples including the Israelites

especially : israelite

Hebrew adjective

Examples of Hebrew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Amira Origin: Amira is of Hebrew and Arabic origin. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025

The singer who is fluent in English, French and her native Hebrew, was rescued by the father of another Nova attendee, who drove into the battle zone to save his daughter, and others’, lives. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025

After studying sculpture in Norway for a year, Mr. Glaser returned to the United States with the intention of studying Yiddish at Yeshiva University but ended up studying Hebrew in upstate New York. —Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Cyrus, though not Jewish, allowed for local religious practice Likening Trump to Cyrus makes sense from a certain point of view, says biblical scholar Kristine Henriksen Garroway, who teaches at the Reform rabbinical seminary Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. —Jason Derose, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Ebreu, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin Hebraeus, from Latin, adjective, from Greek Hebraios, from Aramaic ʽEbrai

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing Hebrew

• Late Hebrew
• Modern Hebrew
• Rabbinic Hebrew

Kids Definition

Hebrew

noun

He·​brew ˈhē-(ˌ)brü 

1

: a member of one of a group of northern Semitic peoples including the Israelites

especially : israelite

2

: the Semitic language of the Hebrews

Hebraic

hi-ˈbrā-ik

adjective

Hebrew adjective