Jezebel

[ jez-uh-bel, -buhl ]

noun

1. Also Douay Bible, Jeza·bel. the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. 1 Kings 16:31.
2. (often lowercase) a wicked, shameless woman.

Jezebel

/ -bəl; ˈdʒɛzəˌbɛl /

noun

1. Old Testament the wife of Ahab, king of Israel: she fostered the worship of Baal and tried to destroy the prophets of Israel (I Kings 18:4–13); she was killed by Jehu (II Kings 9:29–37)
2. sometimes not capital a shameless or scheming woman

Jezebel

1. In the Old Testament , an immoral, cruel queen of Israel who attempted to kill Elijah and other prophets of God.

Notes

A “jezebel” is a scheming and shamelessly evil woman.

Other Words From

• Jez·e·be·li·an [jez-, uh, -, bee, -lee-, uh, n, -, beel, -y, uh, n], Jez·e·bel·ish [jez, -, uh, -bel-ish], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jezebel¹

First recorded in 1550–60 Jezebel fordef 2; from Hebrew Izebhel, of uncertain origin and meaning, -zebhel perhaps representing the divine title “prince”

Example Sentences

When, many years later, Elijah and his followers triumphed, Jezebel did not beg for mercy.

From Time

“Britney Spears Needs A Makeover Almost As Bad As She Needs A Lobotomy,” said Jezebel in 2007.

From Vox

Isha Aran at Jezebel worries that the show “glorif[ies] the way religion can constrain people.”

From The Daily Beast

Jezebel has shown some sympathy to this and other male insecurities in the past.

From The Daily Beast

This is again problematic because Jezebel is commendably sensitive when it comes to issues regarding race and women.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, this double standard is hardly only a problem for Jezebel.

From The Daily Beast

Before Jezebel had launched to police false photos, image comparisons were springing up across the media.

From The Daily Beast

Fortunately the moon had risen, and the Jezebel's lie would only cost me a trifling delay.

From Project Gutenberg

There was nothing to be done save wait until Old Jezebel grew weary of mischief.

From Project Gutenberg

Above the distant roar of old Jezebel, old Suma-theek's foreman's whistle sounded clear and sweet as he signaled his men.

From Project Gutenberg

Silver lay the desert with the black scratch of old Jezebel across it and the ragged purple shadows of the ranges to the east.

From Project Gutenberg

And the night shift began to repair the cofferdam for old Jezebel had dropped suddenly back into her old trail.

From Project Gutenberg