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

But Daniel has come out of his skin a bit lately.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

It depends on what Daniel turns up on the night.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

“The original lawsuit was not withdrawn,” said Daniel Kaiser, Rana’s lawyer.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Highlights of the starry season not listed here include Daniel Radcliffe in “Every Brilliant Thing” and Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson in “The Fear of 13.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

She quickly told her mom about meeting Sue and Daniel, about the harrowing drive through the fire, and her and Sue getting separated from their dads.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz