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

There is only a small number of people in the room who know anything about Hebrew prayer. —David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025

In the backdrop, a commotion of voices from distraught aid workers and soldiers shouting commands in Hebrew can be heard. —Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

The voices of others in the convoy can also be heard, as well as those of people shouting commands in Hebrew. —Abeer Salman, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025

The federation utilizes the Hebrew Free Loan Association of South Florida, which offers interest-free loans for people trying to grow their families with their service, Making Miracle Babies. —Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 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