Galil
/ɡəˈliːl/noun
A family of Israeli military rifles, named after the Galilee region of Israel.
Did you know?In Hebrew, גליל (*galil*) can mean “cylinder” or “region,” while *Ha-Galil*—“the Galilee”—became the rifle’s namesake.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*galal
“To roll or revolve; the proposed root behind later Hebrew forms associated with circularity.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
גָּלִיל (galil)
“A cylinder, circular object, or surrounding district.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
הַגָּלִיל (ha-Galil)
““The Galilee,” literally a region or district in the northern Levant.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Γαλιλαία (Galilaia)
“Galilee, the regional name transmitted through Greek biblical texts.”
20th Century
Hebrew/English
Galil
“Name given to an Israeli rifle family developed by Israel Military Industries, referencing the Galilee.”
Modern English
English
Galil
“A proper name for Israeli military rifles, including the Galil assault rifle.”