seraph

American  

[ser-uhf] / ˈsɛr əf /

noun

plural

seraphs, seraphim

1. one of the celestial beings hovering above God's throne in Isaiah's vision. Isaiah 6.

2. a member of the highest order of angels, often represented as a child's head with wings above, below, and on each side.

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seraph British  

/ ˈsɛrəf /

noun

1. theol a member of the highest order of angels in the celestial hierarchies, often depicted as the winged head of a child

2. Old Testament one of the fiery six-winged beings attendant upon Jehovah in Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6)

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Other Word Forms

• seraphlike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of seraph

First recorded in 1660–70; back formation from seraphim

Explanation

A seraph is an angel — a heavenly, human-like creature with wings. In Christianity, a seraph is an angel of the first order, which is a very important angel. A seraph is a member of a group of angels called the seraphim, who are believed to have six wings. In paintings and sculpture, a seraph is often portrayed as a child with wings. Seraphic is a word meaning "angelic."

Example Sentences

Seventeen auto factories in North America and Europe have halted or reduced production in recent weeks over the scarcity of the tiny components, according to Seraph Consulting, which is advising automakers on the shortages.

From Washington Post • Jul. 28, 2021

I visited Mr. Chandler one winter night on his schooner, which is named Seraph and is dry-docked at Barron’s Marine.

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2018

They took on jobs within Ubiqua Seraph and, week by week, ingratiated themselves with other corporation members.

From The Guardian • May 12, 2015

A performance of holiday stories by Seattle actors, including "The Loudest Voice" by Grace Paley, "The H Street Sledding Record" by Ron Carlson and "The Seraph and the Zambesi" by Muriel Spark.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2010

"One minute and a half," said the Seraph.

From The Sixth Sense A Novel by McKenna, Stephen

Related Words

• angelic
• pious
• upstanding