Raphael

noun

Ra·​pha·​el ˈra-fē-əl How to pronounce Raphael (audio) ˈrā- How to pronounce Raphael (audio)
-ˌel
: one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek Rhaphaēl, from Hebrew Rĕphā'ēl

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Raphael was in the 14th century

Rhymes for Raphael

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Browse Nearby Words

rap full
Raphael
Raphaelesque
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Cite this Entry

“Raphael.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Raphael. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Biographical Definition

Raphael

biographical name

Ra·​pha·​el ˈra-fē-əl How to pronounce Raphael (audio) ˈrā- How to pronounce Raphael (audio)
ˈrä-
1483–1520 Italian Raffaello Sanzio Italian painter
Raphaelesque
ˌra-fē-ə-ˈlesk How to pronounce Raphael (audio)
ˌrā-, 
ˌrä-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Raphael

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Raphael

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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