Maccabees
plural noun
Mac·ca·bees
ˈma-kə-(ˌ)bēz 
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
Examples of Maccabees in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The holiday commemorates how in 164 B.C.E., oil meant to go out after just one night went on to last eight nights during the rededication of the Jerusalem temple following the Maccabees Jews’ victory over their Syrian Greek oppressors.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024
After recapturing Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, which had been converted into a place of idol worship, the website says, the Maccabees searched for pure oil with which to light the Temple menorah.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
What To Know Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the small Jewish patriots, the Maccabees, and their win over the large Greek army over two millennia ago.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Remembering and sharing the story of the courageous Maccabees and the Temple of Jerusalem where oil burned for eight long nights, this book is the perfect way for kids to learn and appreciate the importance of the holiday.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
In response, the Maccabees rebelled and fought for their ability to maintain their traditions and unique religious identity, as well as to reclaim their sacred spaces.
—Gail Swedroe, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabees' unlikely victory over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Dec. 2024
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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
The holiday commemorates how in 164 B.C.E., oil meant to go out after just one night went on to last eight nights during the rededication of the Jerusalem temple following the Maccabees Jews’ victory over their Syrian Greek oppressors.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024
After recapturing Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, which had been converted into a place of idol worship, the website says, the Maccabees searched for pure oil with which to light the Temple menorah.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
What To Know Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the small Jewish patriots, the Maccabees, and their win over the large Greek army over two millennia ago.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Remembering and sharing the story of the courageous Maccabees and the Temple of Jerusalem where oil burned for eight long nights, this book is the perfect way for kids to learn and appreciate the importance of the holiday.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
In response, the Maccabees rebelled and fought for their ability to maintain their traditions and unique religious identity, as well as to reclaim their sacred spaces.
—Gail Swedroe, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabees' unlikely victory over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Dec. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near Maccabees
Cite this Entry
“Maccabees.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maccabees. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Maccabees
noun
Mac·ca·bees
ˈmak-ə-bēz
: 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
Judas or Judah died 161 b.c. surname
Maccabaeus
ˌma-kə-ˈbē-əs
Jewish patriot
Jewish patriot
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