angel
AYN-juhl
Angel (noun) means a spiritual being who serves as a messenger of God, traditionally pictured with wings and a robe. Example: “The painting showed an angel descending from the clouds.”
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."
"Children in the nativity play wore tinsel halos and dressed as angels."
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."
"My neighbour is an angel; she waters my plants whenever I am away."
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."
"The theatre company is hoping an angel will pay for the new production."
"She found an angel willing to put money into her small bakery."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- angels
- Third person singular
- angels
- Past tense
- angeled, angelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The painting showed an _____ descending from the clouds.
Etymology
From Old English engel, from Latin angelus, ultimately from Greek angelos, meaning "messenger."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for angel
See all rhymes for angel →Frequently asked questions
What does “angel” mean?
The word “angel” means a spiritual being who serves as a messenger of God, traditionally pictured with wings and a robe. In plain terms, a heavenly messenger in religious tradition — also used loosely for a kind person or a financial backer.
How do you pronounce “angel”?
“Angel” is pronounced AYN-juhl (/ˈeɪ̯n.d͡ʒəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “angel” in a sentence?
Here is “angel” used in a sentence: “The painting showed an angel descending from the clouds.”
What part of speech is “angel”?
“Angel” is a noun.
Where does the word “angel” come from?
The word “angel” comes from Latin. From Old English engel, from Latin angelus, ultimately from Greek angelos, meaning "messenger.".
Is “angel” a common word?
“Angel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “angel” have?
“Angel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spiritual being who serves as a messenger of God, traditionally pictured with wings and a robe.
What are the different types of angels?
Many traditions describe a hierarchy of angels. In Christian thought, the ranks famously include seraphim and cherubim at the top, then archangels and ordinary angels among the lower orders. Archangels like Michael and Gabriel are the best known, often shown carrying important messages or leading heavenly armies.
What is a guardian angel?
A guardian angel is believed to be a spiritual being assigned to watch over and protect a particular person throughout their life. The idea appears in several faith traditions and in popular culture. People often speak of a guardian angel figuratively too, to describe someone who looks out for them.
What is the difference between an angel and an archangel?
An angel is any spiritual messenger of God, while an archangel is a higher-ranking one, a chief among angels. The prefix 'arch-' means principal or leading. Archangels such as Michael and Gabriel are entrusted with the most important tasks, which places them above ordinary angels in the traditional heavenly order.
Can 'angel' describe a person?
Yes. Beyond the religious meaning, 'angel' is a warm term for a kind, gentle, or helpful person, as in 'you're an angel for helping.' In business, an 'angel investor' is someone who funds a young company early on. The word almost always carries affection or gratitude when applied to people.
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