Abigail

¹ American  

[ab-i-geyl] / ˈæb ɪˌgeɪl /

noun

1. (in the Bible) the wife of Nabal and later of David.

2. a first name: from a Hebrew word meaning “joy of the father.”

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abigail ² American  

[ab-i-geyl] / ˈæb ɪˌgeɪl /

noun

1. a lady's maid.

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Abigail British  

/ ˈæbɪˌɡeɪl /

noun

1. Old Testament the woman who brought provisions to David and his followers and subsequently became his wife (I Samuel 25:1–42)

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Etymology

Origin of abigail

1645–55; after Abigail, name of attendant in play The Scornful Lady (1610), by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher

Example Sentences

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, responding to a request for comment to Homan, rejected the idea of any dissension on the team.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a recent research paper, Boston University economics Ph.D. candidate Abigail Dow finds that when child care prices increase, some American families decide to put off having more children, and many don’t have more children at all.

From Salon

It was amplified with social media posts by wealthy luminaries including Abigail Disney—granddaughter to Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy Disney—musician Brian Eno, and actor Mark Ruffalo.

From Barron's

When Democrat Abigail Spanberger takes office on Jan. 17, she’ll inherit a revenue surplus likely north of $2 billion.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Officers act heroically to enforce the law and protect American communities,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said.

From Salon