noun
angel
AYN-juhl
noun
1
A spiritual being who serves as a messenger of God, traditionally pictured with wings and a robe.
"The painting showed an angel descending from the clouds."
"In the story, an angel appears to warn the shepherds."
2
A person seen as exceptionally kind, innocent, or lovely.
"Thank you for helping me move — you're an angel."
"The nurse was an angel to every patient on the ward."
3
A wealthy individual who provides money to fund a new business or theatrical production.
"A private angel investor backed the startup in its early days."
How to Use Angel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA heavenly messenger in religious tradition — also used loosely for a kind person or a financial backer.
Common pairings
guardian angel
angel investor
you're an angel
Word Forms
angeled past tense, angelled past tense, angels plural, angels plural, Angels plural, angels singular
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Etymology
From Old English engel, from Latin angelus, ultimately from Greek angelos, meaning "messenger."