Jonathan

¹ American  

[jon-uh-thuhn] / ˈdʒɒn ə θən /

noun

1. a variety of red apple that matures in early autumn.

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Jonathan ² American  

[jon-uh-thuhn] / ˈdʒɒn ə θən /

noun

1. (in the Bible) a son of Saul and friend of David.

2. Archaic. an American, especially a New Englander.

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

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Jonathan ¹ British  

/ ˈdʒɒnəθən /

noun

1. a variety of red apple that ripens in early autumn

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Jonathan ² British  

noun

1. Old Testament the son of Saul and David's close friend, who was killed in battle (I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1:19–26)

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Etymology

Origin of Jonathan

First recorded in 1875–80; named after Jonathan Hasbrouck (died 1846), American jurist

Example Sentences

Comedian Tom Walker, who portrays the fictional journalist Jonathan Pie, said the government needs to recognise comedy "as an important cultural thing from grassroots to sitcoms on the BBC".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Sure, earnings estimates could inch higher as long oil remains around current levels for a few weeks, writes Seaport Research Partners chief U.S. equity strategist Jonathan Golub.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

However, entertainment reporter Jonathan Sim says Galaxy pulls things back, which allows composer Brian Tyler's "excellent musical score" to take centre stage.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

SpaceX’s Starlink currently maintains around 10,100 operational satellites in orbit, according to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, who tracks space activities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

As soon as he reached the lake, Jonathan took the leash off Moose.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret