1 angel | Definition of angel

angel

noun
an·​gel | \ ˈān-jəl How to pronounce angel (audio) \

Definition of angel

1a : a spiritual being superior to humans in power and intelligence especially : one in the lowest rank in the celestial hierarchy
b angels plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
2 : an attendant spirit or guardian guardian angels who watch over us
3 : a usually white-robed winged figure of human form in fine art
4 : messenger, harbinger an angel of death
5 : a person who is like an angel (as in looks or behavior) Your son is such an angel. She's no angel. Be an angel and get me a cup of tea, would you?
6 Christian Science : inspiration from God
7 : one (such as a backer of a theatrical venture) who aids or supports with money or influence Angels funded the start-up company.
8 : angelfish

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from angel

angelic \ an-​ˈje-​lik How to pronounce angelic (audio) \ or angelical \ -​li-​kəl How to pronounce angelical (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for angel

Synonyms

dove, innocent, lamb, sheep

Antonyms

wolf

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Examples of angel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are mysterious sets of ghost hands that may be harassing this angel. Dallas News, "A Dallas art gallery examines identity in 'How It Looks To Be You In Egyptian Cotton'," 23 Aug. 2019 And my grandfather who passed has always been my guide, and today, my angel. Cat Scavelli, Billboard, "Billboard En Vivo Announces Miami Lineup With Yashua as Opening Act," 8 Aug. 2019 Our angel has just always been the sweetest, kindest, and most selfless lil girl her entire life. Fox News, "Idaho girl, 9, dies after freak accident, organs are donated to 5 people, family says," 4 Aug. 2019 The Korea Development Bank, HMM’s biggest creditor and its main angel in keeping the operation running, insisted the company join a world-wide shipping alliance as a condition of its support. Costas Paris, WSJ, "Hyundai Merchant Marine Joins Shipping Alliance, Securing More Ocean Trade," 1 July 2019 Her family appreciates support and prayers from dear friends and is grateful to have been blessed to have lived amid the presence of this angel. Sun-Sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 5/11," 11 May 2018 Because, Bryce Walker’s murderer is Alex Standall (Miles Heizer) — and Jessica Davis (Alisha Boe) is the one who unwittingly brings Bryce’s angel of death to the Navy Pier dock on homecoming night. Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "This Is Exactly Who Killed Bryce Walker & Why In 13 Reasons Why Season 3," 24 Aug. 2019 Then came the cups, plates and ornaments, including two eerily lifelike heads, an angel and a devil, that sit, one cheek down, on her dining room table with candles extended from their necks, as if they’ve been impaled. New York Times, "Ann Demeulemeester Doesn’t Miss Fashion at All. She Has Other Plans.," 22 Aug. 2019 Don’t miss the apse’s vault, where Christ, flanked by four angels, sits on the Earth as four rivers of paradise flow beneath his feet. Prathap Nair, National Geographic, "Visit Italy’s mesmerizing city of mosaics," 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'angel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of angel

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for angel

Middle English, from Old English engel & Anglo-French angele; both from Late Latin angelus, from Greek angelos, literally, messenger

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for angel

angel

noun

English Language Learners Definition of angel

: a spiritual being that serves especially as a messenger from God or as a guardian of human beings
informal : a person (such as a child) who is very good, kind, beautiful, etc.

angel

noun
an·​gel | \ ˈān-jəl How to pronounce angel (audio) \

Kids Definition of angel

1 : a spiritual being serving God especially as a messenger
2 : a person who is very good, kind, or beautiful

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on angel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for angel

Spanish Central: Translation of angel

Nglish: Translation of angel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of angel for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about angel