Semite
/ˈsɛm.aɪt/noun
A member of any of several historically related peoples of the ancient Near East, especially those speaking Semitic languages.
Did you know?The term was coined in the late 18th century by scholars from the biblical name Shem, brother of Ham and Japheth, to classify languages—not to name a race, which is a much later and politically charged misuse.
Etymological Timeline
Late 18th Century
German
Semit
“A scholarly term coined to classify peoples and languages associated with the biblical figure Shem.”
Late 18th Century
French
sémitique
“A linguistic and ethnological label derived from the biblical name Shem.”
19th Century
English
Semite
“A term used in scholarly and then racialized contexts for speakers of Semitic languages and related peoples.”
Modern English
English
Semite
“A member of a people associated with Semitic languages, especially in historical or linguistic contexts.”