Balaam

[ bey-luhm ]

/ ˈbeɪ ləm /

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noun

a Mesopotamian diviner who, when commanded by Balak to curse the Israelites, blessed them and uttered favorable prophecies after having been rebuked by the ass he rode. Numbers 22–23.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Balaam

From Late Latin Balaam, from Greek Balaám, from Hebrew Bilʿām, of uncertain origin

OTHER WORDS FROM Balaam

Ba·laam·ite

[bey-luh-mahyt], /ˈbeɪ ləˌmaɪt/, nounBa·laam·it·i·cal

[bey-luh-mit-i-kuhl], /ˌbeɪ ləˈmɪt ɪ kəl/, adjective

Words nearby Balaam

Bakst, Baku, Bakunin, bal, Bala, Balaam, balaclava, Balaguer, Balak, Balakirev, Balaklava

How to use Balaam in a sentence

Uncle, you and Brother Balaam are bosom friends—why don't you get his paper to persecute us, too?
The Gilded Age, Complete|Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner
"I reckon you can, Charley Balaam, if you are friendly," said Yancy.
The Prodigal Judge|Vaughan Kester
Squire Balaam removed his spectacles and leaned back in his chair.
The Prodigal Judge|Vaughan Kester

British Dictionary definitions for Balaam

Balaam

/ (ˈbeɪlæm) /

noun

Old Testament a Mesopotamian diviner who, when summoned to curse the Israelites, prophesied future glories for them instead, after being reproached by his ass (Numbers 22–23)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012