Definition of Semite
1a : a member of any of a number of peoples of ancient southwestern Asia including the Akkadians, Phoenicians, Hebrews, and Arabsb : a descendant of these peoples
2 : a member of a modern people speaking a Semitic language
Origin and Etymology of semite
French sémite, from Sem Shem, from Late Latin, from Greek Sēm, from Hebrew Shēm
First Known Use: 1848
Other Anthropology Terms
SEMITE Defined for English Language Learners
Semite
playDefinition of Semite for English Language Learners
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: a member of a group of people originally of southwestern Asia that includes Jews and Arabs
Learn More about semite
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See words that rhyme with Semite Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Semite
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