deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ə-tē How to pronounce deity (audio) ˈdā- How to pronounce deity (audio)
plural deities
1
a
: the rank or essential nature of a god : divinity
b
capitalized : god sense 1, supreme being
2
: a god (see god entry 1 sense 2) or goddess
the deities of ancient Greece
3
: one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful
such established American deities as Daniel Boone, Kit CarsonJ. D. Hart
the deities of the banking world

Examples of deity in a Sentence

to the ancient Greeks, Zeus was the deity who ruled over the sky and weather, and Poseidon was god of the sea we prayed to the Deity for guidance
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.
Looking elegantly windblown in a sweater, her mass of hair cascading like the precious garland of some Irish deity, Farrow has a tendency to trail off in conversation. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Fireworks and sparklers are often part of the celebrations, along with prayers and offerings to deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 The 17th century print was likely intended for a Protestant market opposed to giving physical form to deity. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 This might be an uncomfortable statement for some, particularly those who find belief in any sort of deity to be an outdated relic of a bygone era. Donovan McAbee, TIME, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deity 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deitee, from Anglo-French deité, from Late Latin deitat-, deitas, from Latin deus god; akin to Old English Tīw, god of war, Latin divus god, dies day, Greek dios heavenly, Sanskrit deva heavenly, god

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near deity

Cite this Entry

“Deity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deity. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deity

noun
de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ət-ē How to pronounce deity (audio)
plural deities
1
b
capitalized : god sense 1
the Deity
2
Etymology

Middle English deitee "the nature of being divine," from early French deité (same meaning), derived from Latin deus "god" — related to adieu, adios

More from Merriam-Webster on deity

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