Reuben

[roo-buhn]

noun

1. the eldest son of Jacob and Leah. Genesis 29, 30.

2. one of the 12 tribes of Israel, the tribe traditionally descended from him.

3. Reuben sandwich.

4. a male given name.

Reuben

/ ˈruːbɪn /

noun

1. the eldest son of Jacob and Leah: one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel (Genesis 29:30)

2. the Israelite tribe descended from him

3. the territory of this tribe, lying to the northeast of the Dead Sea

Word History and Origins

Origin of Reuben¹

From Late Latin Ruben, from Greek Rhoubḗn, from Hebrew Rĕʾūbhēn, of uncertain origin, but traditionally translated as “Behold, a son!” and associated with Rāʾāh bĕʿōnī “He (God) has looked upon my affliction” (by granting Leah a son)

Example Sentences

The death of Paul Reubens in 2023 took people by surprise, including the director trying to make a documentary about the man better known as Pee-wee Herman.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A guitar modification designed by Reuben Cox at Old Style Guitar Shop was a secret weapon in the music world — until Orangewood started manufacturing its own.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Years later, once Rebecca had given birth to Asher and Fiona was pregnant with Reuben, the couple were desperate to contact the man who had given them the opportunity to have children.

Read more on BBC

Five years later, Mr. Lloyd recorded a version for “Mirror,” with a wonderful quartet including Mr. Harland, pianist Jason Moran and bassist Reuben Rogers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sauerkraut has long been a bit player in the American diet, topping the occasional hot dog or Reuben sandwich.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal