Samaritan

noun

Sa·​mar·​i·​tan sə-ˈmer-ə-tən 

1

: a native or inhabitant of Samaria

2

[from the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–37] : a person who is generous in helping those in distress

samaritan adjective often capitalized

Examples of Samaritan in a Sentence

A Samaritan called a tow truck for us.

Recent Examples on the Web

People who administer Narcan are protected under Florida’s Good Samaritan Law. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025

While being taken for treatment at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, a paramedic allegedly smelled alcohol on her breath and witnessed other signs of intoxication, the Suffolk County Police Department said. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025

Together, Stallone and Aftergood produced several movies, including the 2022 Samaritan, starring Stallone, and MVP as well as the 2024 Lost On A Mountain In Maine. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025

Her local journey in nursing began at the segregated Good Samaritan Hospital, which only served Black patients. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin samaritanus, noun & adjective, from Greek samaritēs inhabitant of Samaria, from Samaria

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing Samaritan

• Good Samaritan