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

A Brooklyn arena executive who had switched from Ticketmaster to rival SeatGeek testified that Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino threatened to steer concerts away from the venue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Fed Gov. Michael Barr will give a speech at 8:30 a.m. and Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman will speak at 1:45 p.m.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Daily Wire podcaster Michael Knowles gently asked Trump to “delete the picture, no matter the intent.”

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

We have heard City boss Pep Guardiola and Manchester United manager Michael Carrick bemoan their luck with referees this season.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Michael had more to confess—his tongue suddenly wanted to share all his secrets—but Ridge was already fading.

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