Michael

American  

[mahy-kuhl] / ˈmaɪ kəl /

noun

1. (in the Abrahamic religions) a militant archangel.

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

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

4. a male given name.

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Michael British  

/ ˈmaɪkəl /

noun

1. 1596–1645, tsar of Russia (1613–45); founder of the Romanov dynasty

2. 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

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

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Michael Cultural  

1. 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.

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Discover More

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

Etymology

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”

Example Sentences

“For some reason he thinks I don’t know what I’m doing. I said, ‘Michael, I can assure you I know exactly what I’m doing.’”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

"Sometimes it was very, very tough to get in that car, my mum would be going 'Michael, leave him alone he's done well'," Walker said.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2024

The English actor, who died at 75, leaves an astonishing range of performances in movies including ‘In the Bedroom,’ ‘Michael Clayton’ and ‘The Full Monty.’

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2024

I remember when I played an American in ‘Michael Clayton,’ a lawyer.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2024

‘Coach,’ Reyna warned, ‘Michael is very strong. You’d need to be an ogre or a -’ From somewhere off the port side, down at the waterline, a voice yelled, ‘Kahale! What’s taking so long?’

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan