This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
benjamin
[ ben-juh-muhn ]
/ ˈbɛn dʒə mən /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of benjamin
1570–80; alteration (by association with the proper name) of benjoin, early form of benzoin1
Words nearby benjamin
Benioff zone, benison, Beni-Suef, Benita, benitoite, benjamin, benjamin-bush, Benjamin-Constant, Benjaminite, Benjamins, Ben Lomond
Other definitions for benjamin (2 of 2)
Benjamin
[ ben-juh-muhn ]
/ ˈbɛn dʒə mən /
noun
the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph. Genesis 35:18.
one of the 12 tribes of ancient Israel traditionally descended from him.
Asher, 1773–1845, U.S. architect and writer.
Judah Philip, 1811–84, Confederate statesman.
a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “son of the right.”
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use benjamin in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for benjamin (1 of 3)
benjamin
/ (ˈbɛndʒəmɪn) /
noun
another name for benzoin (def. 1)
benjamin bush another name for spicebush
Word Origin for benjamin
C16: variant of benzoin; influenced in form by the name Benjamin
British Dictionary definitions for benjamin (2 of 3)
Benjamin1
/ (ˈbɛndʒəmɪn) /
noun
Old Testament
- the youngest and best-loved son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 35:16–18; 42:4)
- the tribe descended from this patriarch
- the territory of this tribe, northwest of the Dead Sea
archaic a youngest and favourite son
British Dictionary definitions for benjamin (3 of 3)
Benjamin2
/ (ˈbɛndʒəmɪn) /
noun
Arthur . 1893–1960, Australian composer. In addition to Jamaican Rumba (1938), he wrote five operas and a harmonica concerto (1953)
(German ˈbɛnɪamin) Walter (ˈvaltər). 1892–1940, German critic and cultural theorist
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