Raphael

American  

[raf-ee-uhl, rey-fee-, rah-fahy-el] / ˈræf i əl, ˈreɪ fi-, ˌrɑ faɪˈɛl /

noun

1. Raffaello Santi or Sanzio, 1483–1520, Italian painter.

2. one of the archangels.

3. a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “healing of the Lord.”

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Raphael British  

/ ˈræfeɪəl /

noun

1. Bible one of the archangels; the angel of healing and the guardian of Tobias (Tobit 3:17; 5–12). Feast day: Sept 29

2. original name Raffaello Santi or Sanzio . 1483–1520, Italian painter and architect, regarded as one of the greatest artists of the High Renaissance. His many paintings include the Sistine Madonna (?1513) and the Transfiguration (unfinished, 1520)

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Raphael Cultural  

1. A sixteenth-century Italian painter. A contemporary of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, he is known for his beautiful and gracious Madonnas and The School of Athens (see Plato's Academy).

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Other Word Forms

• Raphaelesque
  adjective

Example Sentences

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not flash either card before stopping play at the behest of the video assistant referee.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

‘Supergirl’ flies into theaters, Larry David returns with a new sketch-comedy series, the awe-inspiring Raphael exhibition closes at the Met, and more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

Raphael Bob-Waksberg, who also created Netflix’s “BoJack Horseman,” knows his beat is animated shows that are both funny and thought-provoking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2026

Michelangelo’s burning resentment of Da Vinci kept him warm at night, and his hostility toward Raphael fueled his years-long dedication to tagging up the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

Had she been born five hundred years sooner, Raphael would have chosen her as a model for his cherubs.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg