the S part of Israel, on the Gulf of Aqaba: a triangular-shaped semidesert region, with large areas under irrigation; scene of fighting between Israeli and Egyptian forces in 1948. Chief town: Beersheba. Area: 12 820 sq km (4950 sq miles)
Negev in American English
(ˈnɛgˌɛv)
region in S Israel of partially reclaimed desert: c. 4,000 sq mi (10,360 sq km)