Samuel
Americannoun
-
a judge and prophet of Israel. 1 Samuel 1–3; 8–15.
-
either of two books of the Bible bearing his name. 1 Sam., 2 Sam.
-
a male given name.
noun
-
a Hebrew prophet, seer, and judge, who anointed the first two kings of the Israelites (I Samuel 1–3; 8–15)
-
either of the two books named after him, I and II Samuel
Etymology
Origin of Samuel
From Late Latin Samuhel, from Greek Samouḗl, from Hebrew Shĕmūʾēl “Name of El (God),” or “His name is El (God)”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Huger wrote for instructions to Postmaster General Amos Kendall, as well as New York Postmaster Samuel Gouverneur, from whose office the offending literature had been shipped.
From Slate ● Sep. 4, 2026
Analyst Roger Samuel says Nine’s earnings are now more skewed toward its growth assets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
Like Arthur Fery, his 2019 Wimbledon boys' doubles partners who shot up the rankings following an unexpected run to this year's SW19 semi-finals, Samuel has benefitted from the American collegiate system.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
Marie and Samuel Raturat Bouny, a couple who run a surf shop near the beach, lived for six years in their house in Le Porge.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026
By what right did Samuel Johnson deny him, John Adams, the freedom to fashion his own vocabulary?
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
