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
Examples of Maccabees in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Maccabees headline on 24th August for their first show in eight years, joined by Bombay Bicycle Club, Dry Cleaning, The Cribs, Nilüfer Yanya, The Murder Capital, Divorce and Prima Queen.
—
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
The Maccabees have played in the tournament only twice before, making it to the third round in 2020 before play was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
The Maccabees’ courage was not based on certainty or the assurance of victory but on their commitment to a cause greater than themselves.
—Gail Swedroe, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024
The holiday is deeply rooted in Jewish history, going back to 164 B.C.E. when a small militia of Jews called the Maccabees won a battle against the dominant Syrian-Greek military.
—Philip Pacheco, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Historically, Jews lit the menorah to celebrate the ancient victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek army some 2,100 years ago, but up until half a century ago, Jews kept their celebrations of Chanukah private, confined to their homes and synagogues.
—Yanky Baron, Baltimore Sun, 25 Dec. 2024
The holiday commemorates how in 164 B.C.E., oil meant to go out after just one night went on to last eight nights during the rededication of the Jerusalem temple following the Maccabees Jews’ victory over their Syrian Greek oppressors.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024
After recapturing Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, which had been converted into a place of idol worship, the website says, the Maccabees searched for pure oil with which to light the Temple menorah.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
What To Know Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the small Jewish patriots, the Maccabees, and their win over the large Greek army over two millennia ago.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
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Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
The Maccabees have played in the tournament only twice before, making it to the third round in 2020 before play was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
The Maccabees’ courage was not based on certainty or the assurance of victory but on their commitment to a cause greater than themselves.
—Gail Swedroe, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024
The holiday is deeply rooted in Jewish history, going back to 164 B.C.E. when a small militia of Jews called the Maccabees won a battle against the dominant Syrian-Greek military.
—Philip Pacheco, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Historically, Jews lit the menorah to celebrate the ancient victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek army some 2,100 years ago, but up until half a century ago, Jews kept their celebrations of Chanukah private, confined to their homes and synagogues.
—Yanky Baron, Baltimore Sun, 25 Dec. 2024
The holiday commemorates how in 164 B.C.E., oil meant to go out after just one night went on to last eight nights during the rededication of the Jerusalem temple following the Maccabees Jews’ victory over their Syrian Greek oppressors.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024
After recapturing Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, which had been converted into a place of idol worship, the website says, the Maccabees searched for pure oil with which to light the Temple menorah.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
What To Know Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the small Jewish patriots, the Maccabees, and their win over the large Greek army over two millennia ago.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Maccabees.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maccabees. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Jewish patriot
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