Semite

noun

Sem·​ite ˈse-ˌmīt How to pronounce Semite (audio)
 especially British  ˈsē-ˌmīt
1
a
: a member of any of a number of peoples of ancient southwestern Asia including the Akkadians, Phoenicians, Hebrews, and Arabs
b
: a descendant of these peoples
2
: a member of a modern people speaking a Semitic language

Word History

Etymology

French sémite, from Sem Shem, from Late Latin, from Greek Sēm, from Hebrew Shēm

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Semite was in 1598

Phrases Containing Semite

Dictionary Entries Near Semite

semisynthetic

Semite

semiterrestrial

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Semite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Semite. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Semite

noun
Sem·​ite ˈsem-ˌīt How to pronounce Semite (audio)
: a member of any of a group of peoples of southwestern Asia chiefly represented by the Jews and Arabs

More from Merriam-Webster on Semite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Semite

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