Rachel

American  

[rey-chuhl] / ˈreɪ tʃəl /

noun

1. Jacob's favored wife, the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Genesis 29–35.

2. a female given name.

---

Rachel British  

noun

1. Old Testament the second and best-loved wife of Jacob; mother of Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 29–35)

2. original name Elisa Félix . 1820–58, French tragic actress, famous for her roles in the plays of Racine and Corneille

---

Rachel Cultural  

1. The second wife of Jacob (see Jacob and Esau). She was sterile for many years, but eventually had two sons: Joseph (see Joseph and his brothers) and Benjamin.

---

Etymology

Origin of Rachel

From Late Latin, from Greek Rhachḗl, from Hebrew rāḥēl “ewe, female lamb”

Example Sentences

The theory has been championed by Indian investigative journalist Rachel Chitra, who has highlighted what she sees as inconsistencies in the preliminary report, including questions surrounding the engines' attempted relight after fuel was restored.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

“To be cringe about it, the ’90s babydoll dress wasn’t designed for the male gaze,” says my friend Rachel, a keen observer of Gen X fashion then and now.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026

After the incident Rachel was taken to hospital and was sedated.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Fox News contributor and Outkick founder Clay Travis, who was watching the game at home, told reporter Rachel Nichols, who was in the building, that what she heard was not true.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

Across the cafeteria, Rachel was taking her seat.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows