Goliath

[ guh-lahy-uhth ]

noun

1. the giant warrior of the Philistines whom David killed with a stone from a sling. 1 Samuel 17:48–51.
2. (usually lowercase) a giant.
3. (usually lowercase) a very large, powerful, or influential person or thing:

   a neighborhood grocery competing against the supermarket goliaths.

Goliath

/ ɡəˈlaɪəθ /

noun

1. Old Testament a Philistine giant from Gath who terrorized the Hebrews until he was killed by David with a stone from his sling (I Samuel 17)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Goliath¹

Ultimately from Hebrew Gōlyāth, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Noble as the Catambrone family efforts are, they are like David to a Goliath-sized problem that is about to get much worse.

From The Daily Beast

After topping Chestnut numerous times this season, and based on his early pace it looks like David might actually trump Goliath.

From The Daily Beast

Wilt Chamberlain once pointed out that “nobody loves Goliath,” as an excuse for his enduring unpopularity.

From The Daily Beast

This is what the Magic and the NBA are counting on—a Goliath everyone can love.

From The Daily Beast

He was wrong, of course, even scripturally: the Philistines loved Goliath.

From The Daily Beast

The Goliath wouldn't answer; the Dublin said the force was coming off, and we could not get into touch with the soldiers at all.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, with one accord, they all rose and began to steer their way around the furniture toward the hall, Goliath following.

From Project Gutenberg

We have men enough, and good men too, but we are short of pebbles for Goliath of Achi Baba.

From Project Gutenberg

And was it not in imitation of some such practices, as that which he attempted, that Goliath cursed David by his gods?

From Project Gutenberg

God sends us at this crisis the shepherd David and his sling to do battle with Goliath of Guise.

From Project Gutenberg