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

England's children's commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, meanwhile, called it "positive" - and said the ban should be extended to all children, including those up to the age of 18.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

“To be cringe about it, the ’90s babydoll dress wasn’t designed for the male gaze,” says my friend Rachel, a keen observer of Gen X fashion then and now.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026

The sentiment is shared by her fellow Eva Perón Rachel Zegler, whose lauded London revival of Evita will transfer to Broadway next year.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Fox News contributor and Outkick founder Clay Travis, who was watching the game at home, told reporter Rachel Nichols, who was in the building, that what she heard was not true.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

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

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows