Rachel

American  

[rey-chuhl] / ˈreɪ tʃəl /

noun

1. Jacob's favored wife, the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Genesis 29–35.

2. a female given name.

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Rachel British  

noun

1. Old Testament the second and best-loved wife of Jacob; mother of Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 29–35)

2. original name Elisa Félix . 1820–58, French tragic actress, famous for her roles in the plays of Racine and Corneille

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Rachel Cultural  

1. The second wife of Jacob (see Jacob and Esau). She was sterile for many years, but eventually had two sons: Joseph (see Joseph and his brothers) and Benjamin.

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Etymology

Origin of Rachel

From Late Latin, from Greek Rhachḗl, from Hebrew rāḥēl “ewe, female lamb”

Example Sentences

Rachel Winter, from the wealth management company Killik & Co, says it is difficult to predict how quickly costs at the pump might fall.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Rachel, who does not want the BBC to use her surname, said an indentation in her abdomen had been picked up during a regular colonoscopy for another condition.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“There’s never been a moment where consumers are more aware of how marketing works,” said Rachel Karten, author of the Link in Bio newsletter about working in social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

It’s days before Charlie and Emma’s wedding, and Rachel suggests that the four of them play a party game and say the worst thing that they’ve ever done.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

“I wish I hadn’t told Rachel about ‘Bye Forever, I Guess.’”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows