benjamin
5 synonyms for benjamin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A male given name of Hebrew biblical origin, borne by the youngest son of Jacob in the Old Testament.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning "son of the right hand."
Full origin of benjamin →Frequently asked questions
What does “benjamin” mean?
The word “benjamin” means a male given name of Hebrew biblical origin, borne by the youngest son of Jacob in the Old Testament. In plain terms, a common first name, or, in slang, US $100 bills — because Benjamin Franklin's face is printed on them.
How do you pronounce “benjamin”?
“Benjamin” is pronounced BEHND-zhuh-mihn (/ˈbɛnd͡ʒəmɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “benjamin” in a sentence?
Here is “benjamin” used in a sentence: “They named their son Benjamin after his great-grandfather.”
What part of speech is “benjamin”?
Depending on how it is used, “benjamin” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “benjamin” come from?
The word “benjamin” comes from Hebrew. From the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning "son of the right hand.".
Is “benjamin” a common word?
“Benjamin” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “benjamin” have?
“Benjamin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male given name of Hebrew biblical origin, borne by the youngest son of Jacob in the Old Testament.
Why is a hundred-dollar bill called a "Benjamin"?
In American slang, a hundred-dollar bill is called a "Benjamin" because it carries the portrait of Benjamin Franklin. The nickname refers directly to the face printed on the note.
What is the difference between "Benjamin" the name and "Benjamin" the slang?
As a name, Benjamin is a male given name of Hebrew biblical origin, borne by the youngest son of Jacob in the Old Testament. As slang, a "Benjamin" is a hundred-dollar bill, named for the Franklin portrait it displays.
Is "Benjamin" for money formal or informal?
Using "Benjamin" to mean a hundred-dollar bill is very informal slang, common in casual speech and popular music. In formal or written contexts you would say "a hundred-dollar bill" instead.
