Zimri (zĭm'rî). 1. A Simeonite chieftain, slain by Phinehas. Numbers 25:14. 2. Fifth king of the separate kingdom of Israel for seven days. He gained the crown by the murder of king Elah, but the army made Omri king, and Zimri retreated into the innermost part of the palace, set it on fire, and perished in the ruins. 1 Kings 16:9-20.