Esther

American  

[es-ter] / ˈɛs tər /

noun

1. the wife of Ahasuerus.

2. a book of the Bible bearing her name. Esth.

3. a number of prayers, visions, interpretations of dreams, etc., that are included in the Douay Bible as chapters 10–16.

4. a female given name.

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Esther British  

/ ˈɛstə /

noun

1. a beautiful Jewish woman who became queen of Persia and saved her people from massacre

2. the book in which this episode is recounted

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Esther Cultural  

1. A book of the Old Testament that tells the story of a beautiful Jewish woman named Esther who is chosen by the king of Persia (now Iran; see Persian Empire) to be his queen. Esther, with the aid of her cousin Mordecai, stops a plot to massacre the Jews (see also Jews) in Persia, and Mordecai becomes the king's chief minister.

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Discover More

This event is celebrated by Jews as the feast of Purim.

Etymology

Origin of Esther

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Hester, from Greek Esthēr, from Hebrew Estēr; further origin uncertain; possibly from Persian sitareh, setāre “star, fate”; possibly from Akkadian Ishtar; cf. Aphrodite ( def. ), Ishtar ( def. ), star ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Is it fair that our people are devouring each other?" lamented 71-year-old Maria Esther Bernal, who rented shops to Chinese merchants, all of which were looted.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

"I'm so glad now that this announcement has been made", Esther Ghey told BBC Breakfast.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

Esther Zuckerman is a reporter covering film and culture for The Wall Street Journal, with a focus on what you should watch and stream.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Esther Holm, her attorney, told jurors Friday that the evidence will show her client “never saw the children in the crosswalk.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

“Miss Esther, I really appreciate the casseroles you brought over.”

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry