Maccabees

plural noun

Mac·​ca·​bees ˈma-kə-(ˌ)bēz How to pronounce Maccabees (audio)
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
Maccabean
ˌma-kə-ˈbē-ən How to pronounce Maccabees (audio)
adjective

Examples of Maccabees in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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 See All Example Sentences for Maccabees

Word History

Etymology

Greek Makkabaioi, from plural of Makkabaios, surname of Judas Maccabaeus 2nd century b.c. Jewish patriot

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Maccabees was in 1702

Phrases Containing Maccabees

Rhymes for Maccabees

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Maccabean
Maccabees
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Cite this Entry

“Maccabees.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maccabees. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Maccabees

noun
Mac·​ca·​bees ˈmak-ə-bēz How to pronounce Maccabees (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce Maccabees (audio)
Judas or Judah died 161 b.c. surname Maccabaeus ˌma-kə-ˈbē-əs How to pronounce Maccabees (audio) Jewish patriot

More from Merriam-Webster on Maccabees

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Maccabees

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