Balaam

noun

Ba·​laam ˈbā-ləm How to pronounce Balaam (audio)
: an Old Testament prophet who is reproached by the ass he is riding and rebuked by God's angel while on the way to meet with an enemy of Israel

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from Hebrew Bilʽām

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Balaam was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near Balaam

Cite this Entry

“Balaam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Balaam. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Balaam

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!