Jewish

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adjective

Jew·​ish ˈjü-ish 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Jews

also : being a Jew

Jewishly adverb

Jewishness noun

Usage of Jew and Jewish

The noun Jew is commonly used by people who identify as such, often as a deeply meaningful designation. However, use of the term by those who are not Jewish in generalizations about Jewish people, and especially in generalizations about Jewish people that draw on stereotypes, is highly offensive. Adjectival use by those who are not Jewish is also commonly considered offensive; Jewish is used before nouns instead.

my Jewish neighbor

Jewishness

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noun

Jew·​ish·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being Jewish

Examples of Jewish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

One of the most important prison ministries operating in America today is the Aleph Institute, which provides religious services, support, advocacy, and resources for Jewish inmates throughout the federal and state prison systems. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Harriman had been under scrutiny since April, for his comments on social media after two Jewish men were attacked in London. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026

His mind for military strategy and his quiet but intense drive propelled him – a son of working-class Moroccan Jewish immigrants who grew up in the most remote corner of Israel – from foot soldier to army chief of staff. — Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2026

The war in Gaza was a dividing line between Goldman and Lander, both of whom are Jewish. — Steve Peoples, Fortune, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1531, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Jewish

• anti-Jewish
• Jewish calendar
• Jewish New Year
• non-Jewish

Rhymes for Jewish

• bluish