Israelite
WordNet
noun
(1) A person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties
(2) A native or inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Israel
WiktionaryText
Proper noun
- A native or inhabitant of the (1) united nation of Israel (under the Judges, and then kings Saul, David and Solomon), or (2) the later northern kingdom centered in Samaria, distinct from kingdom of Judah centered in Jerusalem.
- A member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and a descendant of Jacob.
Adjective
Israelite
- Of or pertaining to the ancient nation(s) of Israel, their inhabitants, or to the descendants of the patriarch Jacob.
Usage notes
Israeli is the noun and adjective for the modern state of Israel and its people, and is not to be confused with Israelite. The usage as a descendant of Jacob is rare, very narrowly confined to mainly protestant religious contexts.