Definition of "Semitic"

Of or pertaining to a subdivision of Afroasiatic Semitic languages: Amharic, Arabic, Aramaic, Syriac, Akkadian, Hebrew, Maltese, Tigrigna, Phoenician etc.  examples

Of or pertaining to the Semites; of or pertaining to one or more Semitic peoples.  quotations

1. (biblical) Of or pertaining to the descendants of Shem, the eldest of three sons of Noah.  examples

2. (in particular) Of or pertaining to the Israeli, Jewish, or Hebrew people.  examples

3. Of or pertaining to any of the religions which originated among the Semites; Abrahamic.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • Thus we trace ever and again the similarities which are to be found among the Semitic religions.

     1893, George Thomas Bettany, Mohammedanism and Other Religions of Mediterranean Countries, page 45

   • The Semitic religions (Christianity and Islam) are nationally honored in much of Africa.

     2011, Makau Mutua, Human Rights: A Political and Cultural Critique, page 114

   • In contrast to these Semitic religions some religions of Indian origin like Buddhism and Jainism, are pacifist to the extent of banning the killing of animals even for food.

     2005, Xavier William, World Religions, True Beliefs and New Age Spirituality, page 45

The Semitic languages in general.  examples