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Deborah

American  
[deb-er-uh, deb-ruh] / ˈdɛb ər ə, ˈdɛb rə /

noun

  1. (in the Bible) a prophetess and judge of ancient Israel.

  2. Also Debora. a female given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “bee.”


Deborah British  
/ ˈdɛbərə, -brə /

noun

  1. a prophetess and judge of Israel who fought the Canaanites (Judges 4, 5)

  2. Rebecca's nurse (Genesis 35:8)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It wasn't an isolated incident and that's obviously why Deborah Latewood is being held responsible," the officer said.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

See Emma Grede live, in conversation with Deborah Vankin, at the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Smart said she was a little taken aback when she first learned how things would pan out for aging comic Deborah Vance and her mentee Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

“We’ve got a full life in Australia and a full life over there,” Deborah said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

“John and Deborah are entitled to their own opinions,” Mr. Richardson said.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng