1
: a Hebrew shepherd who became the second king of Israel in succession to Saul according to biblical accounts
2

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew Dāwīdh

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“David.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/David. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Geographical Definition

David

geographical name

town in western Panama population 77,057

Biographical Definition

David 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Gerard circa 1460–1523 Dutch painter

David

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Jacques-Louis 1748–1825 French painter

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