Machabees

noun

Mach·​a·​bees ˈma-kə-(ˌ)bēz How to pronounce Machabees (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: maccabees

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin Machabaei, modification of Greek Makkabaioi

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Machabees was in the 15th century

Rhymes for Machabees

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Browse Nearby Words

Mach
Machabees
Machado Lake
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Cite this Entry

“Machabees.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Machabees. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Machabees

noun plural in form but singular in construction
Mach·​a·​bees ˈmak-ə-bēz How to pronounce Machabees (audio)
: maccabees

More from Merriam-Webster on Machabees

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Machabees

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