gentile

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Pronunciations

gentile (DZHEN-tyle) listen

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Definitions

  • n. A non-Jew.

Example Sentences

  • "Non-jews are not bound by the mitsvot, no more than a regular Jew is bound by the laws applicable to the Jewish priests. It just doesn't apply unless a gentile converts and enters the Covenant." (source)

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Languages of Origin

  • Textual Hebrew
  • English

Etymology

  • Ultimately from Textual Hebrew גּוֹי (see goy) via Latin and French.

      • Who Uses This

      • Jews: Jews of diverse religious backgrounds and organizational involvements

      Regions

      • North America

      Dictionaries

      • The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001).

Notes

  • Unlike goy, gentile does not have negative connotations.

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