# gentile

/ˈdʒɛnˌtaɪɫ/ (US) · /dʒˈɛntaɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gentile
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

someone who is not Jewish. People use this word to talk about religious or cultural groups.

For teachers: a person who is not of the Jewish faith or ethnicity. Often used in historical or religious contexts to distinguish between Jewish and non-Jewish populations.

## Examples

- The local community included both Jews and gentiles.
- Scholars often examine how early religious movements navigated the cultural divide between Jewish traditions and the customs of the surrounding gentile world.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised as 'Gentile' in religious or formal writing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.