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

Despite being better known in recent years for Abba musicals and TV dramas, Baranski noted she started out as "predominantly a theatre actress" and initially had "no desire to be a television actor".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

It featured songs from Radiohead, The Beatles, Kate Bush and Abba, sandwiched between interludes of Jack Kerouac poems and radio comedy.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

Original songs are mixed with tunes by Muriel's beloved Abba.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2025

“I can drive you to Abba later this afternoon, after my office hours.”

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

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