Adonai

American  

[ah-daw-nahy, ah-doh-noi] / ˌɑ dɔˈnaɪ, ˌɑ doʊˈnɔɪ /

Also Adonoy

noun

1. Hebrew. a title of reverence for God, serving also as a substitute pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton.

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Adonai British  

/ ˌædɒˈnaɪ, -ˈneɪaɪ /

noun

1. Judaism a name for God

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Usage

What does Adonai mean? Adonai is one of the Hebrew names used for Judeo-Christian God. In Judaism and the other religions descending from Abraham, the universe was created by a single being commonly known in English as God. In the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, God’s name is written as an unpronounceable series of consonants known as the Tetragrammaton that read as YHWH or JHVH. Because they can’t or won’t say the Tetragrammaton, speakers and writers use different names for God. Adonai is one of these names that appears frequently in the Tanach, the Hebrew Bible. Adonai appears repeatedly as a name for God in the Tanach, which is written in Hebrew. Many English translations of the Christian Bible use the word Lord instead.

Etymology

Origin of Adonai

Literally, my Lord; spoken in place of the ineffable name Yahweh

Example Sentences

The team also received two former first round picks—receiver Adonai Mitchell from Indianapolis and defensive tackle Mazi Smith from Dallas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

The Colts' only loss was at the Los Angeles Rams and, if it was not for the drop by Adonai Mitchell as he ran into the end zone, this could be an 8-0 team.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025

But Texas’ Xavier Worthy and Adonai “AD” Mitchell, the Georgia transfer, have the ability to hurt opponents over the top, too, and may actually bring more pure speed than the Huskies’ group.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2023

He was back and with another big weapon in Adonai Mitchell.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2023

"Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha'olam," Dvorak sang, and Anya could hear Mama’s voice in Dvorak’s as well, and Babulya’s, and her own.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack