Maccabees

plural noun

Mac·​ca·​bees ˈma-kə-(ˌ)bēz 

1

: a priestly family leading a Jewish revolt begun in 168 b.c. against Hellenism and Syrian rule and reigning over Palestine from 142 b.c. to 63 b.c.

2

singular in construction : either of two narrative and historical books included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha see Bible Table

Maccabean

ˌma-kə-ˈbē-ən 

adjective

Examples of Maccabees in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2011, Eszterhas teamed with Gibson to write a historical epic about Judah and the Maccabees for Gibson to direct. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026

The story of Hanukkah comes from the Books of Maccabees when Jewish rebels overcame an oppressive ruler and rededicated the temple in Jerusalem – a reminder of the Apocryphal books’ significance. — Christy Cobb, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026

Jews light the menorah during Hanukkah to remember the miraculous triumph of the Maccabees in ancient times, lighting one candle each night for eight nights. — Leora Arnowitz, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025

According to the Talmud, the Maccabees returned to the Second Temple after defeating their Greek-Syrian oppressors. — Parents Editors, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025

The Book of Maccabees describes the battle against Antiochus being preceded by a battle against Jews who sided with him. — Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek Makkabaioi, from plural of Makkabaios, surname of Judas Maccabaeus 2nd century b.c. Jewish patriot

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Maccabees

• Knight of the Maccabees

Rhymes for Maccabees

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

Kids Definition

Maccabees

noun

Mac·​ca·​bees ˈmak-ə-bēz 

: either of two narrative and historical books included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha see bible

Biographical Definition

Maccabees

biographical name

Mac·​ca·​bees ˈma-kə-ˌbēz 

Judas or Judah died 161 b.c. surname Maccabaeus ˌma-kə-ˈbē-əs  Jewish patriot