What does jew mean?
Jew is a noun denoting a member of the Jewish people or a person who follows Judaism. Although it remains a standard historical, religious, and demographic term, its use is sensitive: many Jewish people and other speakers regard the word as offensive when it is used casually, hostilely, or without relevance by non-Jewish speakers. In ordinary conversation, alternatives such as "Jewish person" are often preferred, while "Jew" remains common when discussing Jewish history, religion, identity, or communities in a precise and respectful context. The word has a long history in English, entering through Old French and Latin from Greek and ultimately deriving from a Hebrew term associated with Judah and the ancient Israelite tribe of Judah. Its linguistic ancestry is well established, but that history does not lessen the social responsibility attached to using it today.
nounA person who belongs to the Jewish people or follows Judaism as a religion. The term can be regarded as offensive when used by non-Jewish speakers, particularly in casual or hostile contexts.
- A member of the Jewish people.
- A person whose religion is Judaism.
"The museum exhibition explored the lives of Jews across Europe before the Second World War."
"Many Jews gathered at the synagogue to celebrate the holiday."
"Her research focuses on the history of Jews in medieval Europe."
The standard plural is "Jews," capitalized as a name for a religious or ethnic people.
"Thousands of Jews attended the annual gathering."
The word "Jew" carries both an ancient history and a modern lesson in the importance of thoughtful, respectful language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of jew
English Jew comes through Old French Juif from Latin Iudaeus, a form of Greek Ἰουδαῖος. The Greek word derives from Hebrew יְהוּדִי (Yehudi), meaning "Judean" or "one of Judah's descendants." Its subsequent use in English reflects both the longstanding Jewish presence in Europe and the history of antisemitic persecution.
Related word forms
How jew is actually used
The term is standard when used respectfully and is often preferred in historical or biographical contexts. Some Jewish people consider it offensive when used gratuitously by non-Jewish speakers, especially outside an educational, religious, or historical setting. In general discussion, "Jewish person" or "Jewish people" is often considered more appropriate.
Easily confused with jew
Jew denotes a member of the Jewish people, whereas Jude is principally a masculine given name and surname.