Michael

[ mahy-kuhl ]

/ ˈmaɪ kəl /

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noun

a militant archangel. Daniel 10:13.

Also called Michael I. 1921–2017, last king of Romania 1927–30, 1940–47 (son of Carol II).

(italics) a narrative poem (1800) by Wordsworth.

a male given name.

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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of Michael

From Late Latin Michahel, from Greek Michaḗl, from Hebrew Mīkhāʾēl “Who is like God?”; equivalent to mi “who?” + ka “like, as” + ʾēl “God”

Words nearby Michael

Miccosukee, mic drop, mice, micelle, Mich., Michael, Michaelmas, Michaelmas daisy, Michaelmas term, Michael VIII, Michael VIII Palaeologus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Michael in a sentence

In one of many mini-lessons throughout the book, Michael remarks that “Music brings people together, not only to feel, but to agree on what we feel.”
The tale of a bass player, sonic epiphanies and a quest to save ‘real music’|Ben Ratliff|February 12, 2021|Washington Post
Struggling with body aches and fatigue, Shannon and Michael wrote their wills.
900,000 infected. Nearly 15,000 dead. How the coronavirus tore through D.C., Maryland and Virginia.|Rebecca Tan, Antonio Olivo, John D. Harden|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
Winston Scott’s adopted son, Michael, told me he had always been puzzled by a signed photograph of Shepard he found in his father’s papers.
Lunik: Inside the CIA’s audacious plot to steal a Soviet satellite|Bobbie Johnson|January 28, 2021|MIT Technology Review
In 2014, Michael met with the deputy coordinator of the Belize National Emergency Management Organization as part of work the MicroInsurance Centre was doing in the country.
Climate disasters are inevitable. We need to do more than just wait to clean up the damage|Jake Meth|January 12, 2021|Fortune

After Michael’s career took the Kernans to California and London, they landed in the Washington region in 1967.
Maryland video artist spent a lifetime supporting arts in the Washington region|Justin Wm. Moyer|December 3, 2020|Washington Post
Normally, 434 members (minus Michael Grimm who resigned) would vote for Speaker.
Democrats Accidentally Save Boehner From Republican Coup|Ben Jacobs, Jackie Kucinich|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Michael Steinbrick, a personal trainer with New York Sports Clubs, says he can always spot a newbie.
How to Survive the New Year ‘Gympocalypse’|Tim Teeman|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Michael Kazin is a historian who has written a lot about the New Left.
Thank Congress, Not LBJ for Great Society|Julian Zelizer, Scott Porch|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Police Superintendent Michael Harrison said the decline was a result of an effort to decrease gang violence.
America’s 2014 Murder Capital|Brandy Zadrozny|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Thus, like Michael Corleone, Abel is a man living with a paternal figure looming over his life.
The Alterna-‘Godfather’: ‘A Most Violent Year’|Nick Schager|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Michael Allcroft returned to his duties, tuned for labour, full of courage, and the spirit of enterprise and action.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
Andrew Michael Ramsay, a Scottish historian and philosopher, died.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
"I did not mean to speak unkindly, Michael," he stammered with a view to apologize.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
A stronger heart than Michael's might have quailed in his position; yet the pressure from without animated and invigorated him.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
The second year passed on, and then the third: at the close of this, Michael looked again at his condition.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various

British Dictionary definitions for Michael

Michael

/ (ˈmaɪkəl) /

noun

1596–1645, tsar of Russia (1613–45); founder of the Romanov dynasty

born 1921, king of Romania (1927–30, as part of a three-part regency; 1940–47), who relinquished the throne (1930–40) in favour of his father, Carol II. He led the coup d'état that overthrew (1944) Antonescu but was forced to abdicate (1947) by the Communists

Saint Michael Bible one of the archangels. Feast day: Sept 29 or Nov 8

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for Michael

Michael

One of the most important angels, who was the guardian angel of the Jews (see also Jews) and the leader of the celestial armies in the Book of Revelation.

notes for Michael

Michael is often depicted with scales for weighing the souls of the dead on Judgment Day.