Goliath

[guh-lahy-uhth]

noun

1. (in the Bible) the giant warrior of the Philistines whom David killed with a stone from a sling.

2. Usually goliath a giant.

3. Usually goliath a very large, powerful, or influential person or thing.

   a neighborhood grocery competing against the supermarket goliaths.

Goliath

/ ɡəˈlaɪəθ /

noun

1. Old Testament a Philistine giant from Gath who terrorized the Hebrews until he was killed by David with a stone from his sling (I Samuel 17)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Goliath¹

Ultimately from Hebrew Gōlyāth, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Paul added "first David, then Goliath" in what could be seen as a reference to reports he was in talks over a fight with British heavyweight Anthony Joshua.

From BBC

The decision marked the "end of a David and Goliath five-year battle" and is a "moment of justice for loyal workers who'd loved their jobs at the airline," said the transport union in a statement.

From BBC

Their command structures are different, but they are part of the same geopolitical Goliath.

From Salon

For some, the fight between Los Angeles residents and the federal government is akin to David and Goliath.

From Los Angeles Times

Goliath battle as it’s experienced on the ground.

From Los Angeles Times