Ezra

[ ez-ruh ]

noun

1. a Jewish scribe and prophet of the 5th century b.c., who with Nehemiah led the revival of Judaism in Palestine.
2. a book of the Bible bearing his name. : Ezr.
3. a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “help.”

Ezra

/ ˈɛzrə /

noun

1. a Jewish priest of the 5th century bc , who was sent from Babylon by the Persian king Artaxerxes I to reconstitute observance of the Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem after the captivity
2. the book recounting his efforts to perform this task

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ezra¹

From Late Latin Ezras, ulimately from Hebrew ʿezrā “help”

Example Sentences

They learned Ezra’s injuries were exhaustive and devastating.

From Washington Post

Her voice was the first Ezra heard when he finally woke, unaware of where he was or what had happened.

From Washington Post

When Ezra testified, his attorney saw several members of the jury cry.

From Washington Post

As uncovered by the climate blog desmogblog, the Ethical Oil meme dates to a 2010 book by Ezra Levant.

From The Daily Beast

I was also drawn to the work of Ezra Pound and Robert Creeley.

From The Daily Beast

“Ezra was the most generous writer I have ever known,” Hemingway later remarked.

From The Daily Beast

Ezra Pound offered to make useful connections for Joyce, and find places where he could publish his writings.

From The Daily Beast

Ezra Pound ranks among the finest poets of his generation, but his greatest trait may have been his eye for talent in others.

From The Daily Beast

The practice of making confession, then, was fully illustrated in the conduct both of Ezra and Nehemiah, and of Israel with them.

From Project Gutenberg

The record of that of Israel, under Ezra, gives an illustration.

From Project Gutenberg

Ezra looked so like a wandering night-shade, so tall, wet and thin, that Tess uttered a shriek.

From Project Gutenberg

Ezra Longman, his face haggard and ghastly white, stood directly in front of him.

From Project Gutenberg

Ezra Longman, sick unto death, as he had said, floundered his way along the wet path.

From Project Gutenberg