archangel

noun

arch·​an·​gel ˈärk-ˌān-jəl How to pronounce archangel (audio)
1
: a chief angel
2
archangels plural : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy
archangelic
ˌärk-(ˌ)an-ˈje-lik How to pronounce archangel (audio)
adjective

Examples of archangel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the locks fail, a host of archangels, holy cards and crosses stand guard on nearby walls and tables. — Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 25 May 2026 The soldier remained still as though the archangel Gabriel was talking to her. — Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026 Those archangels, Michael and Gabriel, are on hand to assist God in handing down those new commandments. — David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026 One, which is how those of a religious leaning might see it, is as a miraculous, divine event, the archangel Gabriel shining the way towards the baby Jesus. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for archangel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French archangle, from Late Latin archangelus, from Greek archangelos, from archi- + angelos angel

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of archangel was in the 12th century

Rhymes for archangel

See All Rhymes for archangel

Browse Nearby Words

archallaxis
archangel
archangelic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Archangel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archangel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

archangel

noun
arch·​an·​gel ˈärk-ˌān-jəl How to pronounce archangel (audio)
: an angel of high rank
archangelic
ˌärk-ˌan-ˈjel-ik How to pronounce archangel (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on archangel

Nglish: Translation of archangel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about archangel

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