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

Central Florida coach Cindy Ball-Malone considered Fernandez one of the best softball players ever, calling her the Michael Jordan of the sport.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Kids of the firm’s client base of founders and business owners have heard from peers including entrepreneur Zach Dell, the son of billionaire computer pioneer Michael Dell, and investor and Walmart heir Lukas Walton.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The documentary pulls together talent from across the region - with Meji convincing Ghanaian composer Ray Michael Djan Jr, who worked on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, to do the music.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Michael Li, senior counsel in the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, said California is a “big part of the story” this election cycle, thanks to Proposition 50.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Michael rubbed his eyes, which felt like bricks.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly