Etymology

From , a Biblical name for Jacob after he wrestles with an adversary.

Proper noun

1. The State of Israel, a modern country in the Middle East, at the eastern shore of the Mediterranean.
2. The Land of Israel, a region that is roughly coextensive with the State of Israel.
3. A nation that occupied roughly the same area in ancient times.
4. An ancient kingdom that occupied the northern part of this area, as distinct from Judah.
5. The Jews, taken collectively.
6. A name given to Jacob (Genesis 32:28).

   • And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

7. .

Synonyms

the Jewish State, the State of Israel Canaan, the Holy Land, the Land of Israel, the Levant, Palestine Ephraim the Children of Israel

Usage notes

The use of the name to refer to the region is sometimes seen as politically or emotionally charged; indeed, this is true of all terms for this region.