Michael

American  

[mahy-kuhl] / ˈmaɪ kəl /

noun

1. (in the Abrahamic religions) a militant archangel.

2. Also called Michael I.  1921–2017, last king of Romania 1927–30, 1940–47 (son of Carol II).

3. (italics) a narrative poem (1800) by Wordsworth.

4. a male given name.

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Michael British  

/ ˈmaɪkəl /

noun

1. 1596–1645, tsar of Russia (1613–45); founder of the Romanov dynasty

2. born 1921, king of Romania (1927–30, as part of a three-part regency; 1940–47), who relinquished the throne (1930–40) in favour of his father, Carol II. He led the coup d'état that overthrew (1944) Antonescu but was forced to abdicate (1947) by the Communists

3. Bible one of the archangels. Feast day: Sept 29 or Nov 8

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Michael Cultural  

1. One of the most important angels, who was the guardian angel of the Jews (see also Jews) and the leader of the celestial armies in the Book of Revelation.

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Discover More

Michael is often depicted with scales for weighing the souls of the dead on Judgment Day.

Etymology

Origin of Michael

From Late Latin Michahel, from Greek Michaḗl, from Hebrew Mīkhāʾēl “Who is like God?”; equivalent to mi “who?” + ka “like, as” + ʾēl “God”

Example Sentences

“Schröder didn’t have to worry about the second China shock,” said Michael Hüther, director of the German Economic Institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

Michael Schmitz, a geophysics professor at Simón Bolívar University and Central University of Venezuela, said he feared casualties could reach 50,000 people.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2026

"It's more a theme park than a shopping mall," Germany supporter Michael Karg, 48, said as he fingered through an A-Z list of restaurants on a digital directory.

From Barron's • Jun. 27, 2026

These are the words of Michael O'Brien - a man who served 11 years in prison after being wrongly jailed for Saunders' murder.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

Michael said something; I could see the anger on his face.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff