name
Uncommon
Babylon
BAB-ih-lon
Babylon (name) means the ancient Mesopotamian city on the Euphrates, capital of the Babylonian Empire. Example: “The Hanging Gardens were said to have grown in ancient Babylon.”
name
1
The ancient Mesopotamian city on the Euphrates, capital of the Babylonian Empire.
"The Hanging Gardens were said to have grown in ancient Babylon."
2
Figuratively, any city or system associated with excess, wealth, and moral decay.
"Critics called the sprawling casino resort a modern Babylon."
3
In Rastafari usage, a term for oppressive Western institutions, the police, or corrupt authority in general.
"The song rails against "Babylon" and its systems of control."
How to use Babylon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe historic Mesopotamian city, and by extension a symbol of decadence or oppressive authority.
When to use it
The "police/oppressive system" sense is strongly associated with Rastafari and reggae culture and reads as slang outside that context.
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Word forms
- Plural
- babylons
Fill the gap
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The Hanging Gardens were said to have grown in ancient _____.
Etymology
From the Akkadian name meaning roughly "Gate of God," passed down through Greek and Latin into English.
Synonyms
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sin city
Related words
Rhymes for Babylon
See all rhymes for Babylon →Frequently asked questions
What does “Babylon” mean?
The word “Babylon” means the ancient Mesopotamian city on the Euphrates, capital of the Babylonian Empire. In plain terms, the historic Mesopotamian city, and by extension a symbol of decadence or oppressive authority.
How do you pronounce “Babylon”?
“Babylon” is pronounced BAB-ih-lon (/ˈbæb.ɪ.lɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Babylon” in a sentence?
Here is “Babylon” used in a sentence: “The Hanging Gardens were said to have grown in ancient Babylon.”
What part of speech is “Babylon”?
“Babylon” is a name.
Where does the word “Babylon” come from?
The word “Babylon” comes from Latin. From the Akkadian name meaning roughly "Gate of God," passed down through Greek and Latin into English.
Is “Babylon” a common word?
“Babylon” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Babylon” have?
“Babylon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the ancient Mesopotamian city on the Euphrates, capital of the Babylonian Empire.
What does 'Babylon' mean in Rastafari usage?
In Rastafari usage, Babylon refers to oppressive Western institutions, the police, or corrupt authority in general. This meaning grew out of the ancient city's historical association with captivity and oppression, and it is used to criticize systems seen as unjust rather than the historical city itself.
Why is 'Babylon' used to describe excess or moral decay?
Babylon is used figuratively to describe any city or system associated with excess, wealth, and moral decay, drawing on the ancient city's historical reputation for grandeur and indulgence. This figurative sense extends beyond the literal Mesopotamian city to modern places or institutions seen as morally corrupt.
Does 'Babylon' always refer to the ancient city?
No, Babylon has expanded well beyond its original meaning as the ancient Mesopotamian city and capital of the Babylonian Empire. It is also used figuratively for excess and decay, and in Rastafari culture specifically for oppressive authority, so context determines which sense is intended.
