What does "hebrew" mean?
A member or descendant of a Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Hebrew
/ˈhiːbɹuː/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A member or descendant of a Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Grammar: hebrew is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: hebrew language, israelite, biblical hebrew language, english.
- Useful contrasts: Latin script, gentile, non Hebrew language.
- Usage evidence: Above and beyond this, he can read Hebrew.
How to use "hebrew"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "hebrew" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "hebrew" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "hebrew" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "hebrew" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "hebrew" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "hebrew language" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "hebrew", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A member or descendant of a Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. countable
- 2 the ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel wordnet
- 3 A descendant of the biblical Patriarch Eber. countable
- 4 a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties wordnet
- 5 The Semitic language spoken by the Hebrew people. uncountable
"The resulting Belter creole is a crazy mix of English, Chinese, romance languages like French, German, Persian, Hebrew, Zulu, and a few other surprises. Farmer says he has over 1,000 Belter words in his personal dictionary, and he keeps adding more as the show’s producers and fans request them."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The writing system used in Hebrew language. uncountable
- 7 Unintelligible speech or writing. colloquial, uncountable
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to the Hebrew people or language. not-comparable
"Nothing hangs on the walls, though a stained-glass Hebrew chai leans against the window."
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to the language of the Hebrews wordnet
- 2 of or relating to or characteristic of the Hebrews wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Above and beyond this, he can read Hebrew."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "hebrew"?
Common synonyms include: hebrew language, israelite, biblical hebrew language, english, hebraic, hebraic.
How do you use "hebrew" in a sentence?
Above and beyond this, he can read Hebrew.
How do you pronounce "hebrew"?
Pronounced /ˈhiːbɹuː/.
Etymology
From Middle English Ebreu, from Old French Ebreu, from Latin hebraeus or hebraicus, from Ancient Greek Ἑβραῖος (Hebraîos), from Aramaic עִבְרַי (ʿiḇray), from Hebrew עִבְרִי (ʿiḇrī́).