Abba

¹ American  

[ab-uh] / ˈæb ə /

Or abba

noun

1. a title of reverence for bishops and patriarchs in the Coptic, Ethiopian Christian, and Syriac churches.

2. New Testament. an Aramaic word for father, used by Jesus and Paul to address God in a relation of personal intimacy.

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Abba ² American  

[ah-bah] / ˈɑ bɑ /

noun

1. a female day name for Thursday. day name

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Abba ¹ British  

/ ˈæbə /

noun

1. New Testament father (used of God)

2. a title given to bishops and patriarchs in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Churches

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Abba ² British  

/ ˈæbə /

noun

1. Swedish pop group (1972–82): comprised Benny Andersson (born 1946), Agnetha Faltskog (born 1950), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born 1945), and Bjorn Ulvaeus (born 1945); numerous hit singles included "Waterloo" (1974), "Dancing Queen" (1977), and "The Winner Takes It All" (1980)

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Etymology

Origin of Abba

From the Aramaic word abbā “father”

Example Sentences

Eurovision, the globally followed song contest that launched music careers of artists such as Celine Dion and Abba, will host its 70th annual competition in May in Vienna.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The event is made up of tribute artists for chart toppers such as Abba, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Vengaboys.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

The prosecutor, Abba Sorondiki, said he hoped the judgement would deter others from making wrongful accusations and then taking matters into their own hands.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2025

On Saturday night, he and Jones performed a tango to the Abba song "Money, Money, Money" on the Strictly dancefloor with a desk as a part of the set.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2024

He wanted to get her out of her trance so she would start the car and drive them back to Abba.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• administrator
• cleric
• director
• patriarch
• pontiff
• pope
• prelate
• priest