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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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

See Examples For:

Esther

Dame Esther, who died on Wednesday at the age of 86, was known for presenting BBC consumer show That's Life! for 21 years, and for campaigning on issues including child welfare and assisted dying.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

The Guardian's front page also features a tribute to broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who has died at the age of 86.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Friel said: "The legacy that Dame Esther created when she created Childline is something quite incredible. She changed how society looked upon children."

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

"That was a great life, Esther" says the Sun, in a nod to Dame Esther's most well-known television show.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

"But Esther, don't you remember what day it is today?"

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath