Michael

American  

[mahy-kuhl] / ˈmaɪ kəl /

noun

1. (in the Abrahamic religions) a militant archangel.

2. Also called Michael I.  1921–2017, last king of Romania 1927–30, 1940–47 (son of Carol II).

3. (italics) a narrative poem (1800) by Wordsworth.

4. a male given name.

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Michael British  

/ ˈmaɪkəl /

noun

1. 1596–1645, tsar of Russia (1613–45); founder of the Romanov dynasty

2. born 1921, king of Romania (1927–30, as part of a three-part regency; 1940–47), who relinquished the throne (1930–40) in favour of his father, Carol II. He led the coup d'état that overthrew (1944) Antonescu but was forced to abdicate (1947) by the Communists

3. Bible one of the archangels. Feast day: Sept 29 or Nov 8

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Michael Cultural  

1. One of the most important angels, who was the guardian angel of the Jews (see also Jews) and the leader of the celestial armies in the Book of Revelation.

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Discover More

Michael is often depicted with scales for weighing the souls of the dead on Judgment Day.

Etymology

Origin of Michael

From Late Latin Michahel, from Greek Michaḗl, from Hebrew Mīkhāʾēl “Who is like God?”; equivalent to mi “who?” + ka “like, as” + ʾēl “God”

Example Sentences

Appeared in the May 2, 2026, print edition as 'Michael Jackson’s Biopic Blinds Us From the Truth'.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

It just said, 'Michael Owen - follow back', so I followed him back and then I messaged him and we just had a chat.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

I remember when I played an American in ‘Michael Clayton,’ a lawyer.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2024

“He did not specifically state, ‘Michael, go inflate the numbers,’” Mr. Cohen testified.

From Washington Times • Nov. 14, 2023

“That’s not true. There’s plenty of things you could do. Let’s say I tell you, ‘Michael, everything you’re worried about is going to happen, just like you said.’

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly