Hannibal

American  

[han-uh-buhl] / ˈhæn ə bəl /

noun

1. 247–183 b.c., Carthaginian general who crossed the Alps and invaded Italy (son of Hamilcar Barca).

2. a port in NE Missouri, on the Mississippi: Mark Twain's boyhood home.

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Hannibal British  

/ ˈhænɪbəl /

noun

1. 247–182 _bc , Carthaginian general; son of Hamilcar Barca. He commanded the Carthaginian army in the Second Punic War (218–201). After capturing Sagunto in Spain, he invaded Italy (218), crossing the Alps with an army of about 40 000 men and defeating the Romans at Trasimene (217) and Cannae (216). In 203 he was recalled to defend Carthage and was defeated by Scipio at Zama (202). He was later forced into exile and committed suicide to avoid capture

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Hannibal Cultural  

1. A general from the ancient city of Carthage. During the second of the Punic Wars between Carthage and Rome, Hannibal took an army of more than 100,000, supported by elephants, from Spain into Italy in an effort to conquer Rome. The army had to cross the Alps, and this troop movement is still regarded as one of the greatest in history. Hannibal won several victories on this campaign but was not able to take Rome.

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Compare meaning

How does hannibal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Hannibal vs. Scipio

Example Sentences

Your daughter could be marrying Hannibal Lecter and if the D.J. at the wedding played “September” you’d still get up and dance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Brilliant, elusive and charming when he wants to be, Hannibal may have come closer than any other cultural icon to humanizing this tribe of dietary renegades.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Often considered one of the most successful commanders of classical times, Hannibal led his army from the powerful imperial city Carthage, in modern day Tunisia, into Europe as he battled to control the Mediterranean.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was luckly to escape a yellow card for dissent after reacting angrily when a Nigerian took a foul throw, flinging the ball into the ground.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

Hazel and Hannibal rode straight into the room, and the standard-bearers fell backward out of their chairs.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan