This gentile adjective functions as a collective noun designating an ancient tribal group. Genesis 15:19 includes the Kadmonites in the extensive list of peoples whose land God promised to Abraham's descendants. The name likely means 'Easterners' or 'ancient ones,' suggesting either their geographical location or antiquity. They vanish from biblical record after this single mention, leaving scholars uncertain whether they were absorbed into other groups or represent a scribal variant of another known people.