Samuel

American  

[sam-yoo-uhl] / ˈsæm yu əl /

noun

1. a judge and prophet of Israel. 1 Samuel 1–3; 8–15.

2. either of two books of the Bible bearing his name. 1 Sam., 2 Sam.

3. a male given name.

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Samuel British  

/ ˈsæmjʊəl /

noun

1. a Hebrew prophet, seer, and judge, who anointed the first two kings of the Israelites (I Samuel 1–3; 8–15)

2. either of the two books named after him, I and II Samuel

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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

Her children also take part in after-school activities, with her daughter Jennifer at guides on a Wednesday and son Samuel at cubs on a Thursday.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“As a result, we estimate the net movement in revenue is minimal, and revisions in profit largely to the lower end of the fuel guide,” analyst Samuel Seow says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

His next new show for Paramount+, “Frisco King” starring Samuel L. Jackson, will debut later this year or early 2027.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

For over a decade, the retired orbiter was exhibited horizontally in a temporary, tent-like structure known as the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

And now Nate knew what Samuel would expect him to do.

From I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis