Definitions for israelˈɪz ri əl, -reɪ-
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
Is•ra•elˈɪz ri əl, -reɪ-(n.)
a republic in SW Asia, on the Mediterranean: formed as a Jewish state in 1948. 5,749,760; 7984 sq. mi. (20,679 sq. km).
Category: Geography (places)
Ref: Cap.: Jerusalem.
the people traditionally descended from Jacob; the Jewish people.
Category: Peoples
a name given to Jacob after he had wrestled with the angel. Gen. 32:28.
Category: Bible
the northern kingdom of the Hebrews, including 10 of the 12 tribes.
Category: Bible, Peoples
Ref: Compare Judah (def. 3). 3
a group considered by its members or by others as God's chosen people.
Origin of Israel:
bef. 1000; ME, OE < L Isrāēl < Gk Isrāḗl < Heb Yisrā'ēl lit., God perseveres
Princeton's WordNet
Israel, State of Israel, Yisrael, Zion, Sion(noun)
Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at eastern end of Mediterranean; formerly part of Palestine
Israel(noun)
an ancient kingdom of the Hebrew tribes at the southeastern end of the Mediterranean Sea; founded by Saul around 1025 BC and destroyed by the Assyrians in 721 BC
Wiktionary
Israel(ProperNoun)
The State of Israel, a modern country in the Middle East, at the eastern shore of the Mediterranean.
Israel(ProperNoun)
The Land of Israel, a region that is roughly coextensive with the State of Israel.
Israel(ProperNoun)
A nation that occupied roughly the same area in ancient times.
Israel(ProperNoun)
An ancient kingdom that occupied the northern part of this area, as distinct from Judah.
Israel(ProperNoun)
The Jews, taken collectively.
Israel(ProperNoun)
A name given to Jacob (Genesis 32:28).
Israel(ProperNoun)
.
Origin: From ישראל, which, in Biblical Hebrew, means "he who wrestles with God" (a Biblical name for Jacob after he wrestles with an adversary).
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