jew Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties
    Israelite; Hebrew.

WordNet

Jew noun
Etymology
OF. Juis, pl., F. Juif, L. Judaeus, Gr. , fr. the country of the Jews, Judea, fr. Heb. Yhdah Judah, son of Jacob. Cf. Judaic.
Definitions
  1. Originally, one belonging to the tribe or kingdom of Judah; after the return from the Babylonish captivity, any member of the new state; a Hebrew; an Israelite.

Webster 1913