Daniel

American  

[dan-yuhl] / ˈdæn yəl /

noun

1. Bible.

   1. a prophet living in Babylon during the Captivity.

   2. the book of the Bible bearing his name. Dan.

2. Samuel, 1562–1619, English poet and historian: poet laureate 1599–1619.

3. a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “the Lord is my judge.”

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Daniel ¹ British  

/ ˈdænjəl /

noun

1. Old Testament

   1. a youth who was taken into the household of Nebuchadnezzar, received guidance and apocalyptic visions from God, and was given divine protection when thrown into the lions' den

   2. the book that recounts these experiences and visions (in full The Book of the Prophet Daniel )

2. (often preceded by a) a wise upright person

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Daniel ² British  

/ ˈdænjəl /

noun

1. Paul ( Wilson ). born 1958, English conductor; musical director of the English National Opera (1997–2005)

2. Samuel. ?1562–1619, English poet and writer: author of the sonnet sequence Delia (1592)

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Etymology

Origin of Daniel

sense 2: referring to Daniel in the Apocryphal Book of Susanna

Example Sentences

Project Freedom is not going to succeed in liberating the trapped tankers, said Daniel Sternoff, a fellow at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

Bonta spokesperson Daniel McGreevy said the bill has a straightforward goal of protecting immigrant service providers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Daniel Jacobs, the communication director for The Science Coalition, said the board’s wipeout actually hurts the country, and puts it on the back foot.

From Salon • May 2, 2026

The more Anthony learns about Daniel, the more there is to discover—which makes a fascinated reader eager for the duo’s next outing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

He sniffed, and Akira realized Daniel was crying.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz