Jacob

American  

[jey-kuhb, zha-kawb] / ˈdʒeɪ kəb, ʒaˈkɔb /

noun

1. (in the Bible) the second son of Isaac, the twin brother of Esau, and father of the 12 patriarchs.

2. François 1920–2013, French geneticist: Nobel Prize in Medicine 1965.

3. a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “supplanter.”

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Jacob British  

/ ˈdʒeɪkəb /

noun

1. Old Testament the son of Isaac, twin brother of Esau, and father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel

2. Also called: Jacob sheep.  any of an ancient breed of sheep having a fleece with dark brown patches and two or four horns

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Jacob Scientific  

/ zhä-kôb′ /

1. French geneticist who studied how genes control cellular activity by directing the synthesis of proteins. With Jacques Monod, he theorized that there are genes that regulate the activity of other, neighboring genes. They also proposed the existence of messenger RNA.

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Etymology

Origin of Jacob

sense 2 in allusion to Genesis 30:40

Example Sentences

Emilio Gay chipped Jamieson to mid-wicket and Jacob Bethell's worrying form continued when he was lbw to the same bowler for a duck.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

In an earlier interview with Barron’s, Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte styled fuel access as one of the “big unlocks” that “takes away one of the biggest challenges” pertaining to nuclear development.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

Yang added: “She’s such a seasoned actor, performer. She knows entertainment. And she looked as hot as Jacob Elordi.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

Part-time spinner Jacob Bethell bowled before Archer, whose belated introduction was explained by a need to rest after bowling an eight-over spell on the first evening.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

“That’s the whole point,” Jacob says, sitting up in his seat.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan