alpha and omega

noun

1
: the beginning and ending
2
: the principal element

Examples of alpha and omega in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In that simple but powerful recipe, bean and broth are alpha and omega, enhanced by onion and garlic powders, in addition to fresh. Eric Kim, New York Times, 18 Oct. 2023 Content is its own alpha and omega. WIRED, 2 Apr. 2023 And for me, the ‘alpha and omega’ is the freedom. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 May 2022 Some call it our alpha and omega energies. Emily Goodson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2022 The Hoyas are his alpha and omega. Mike Preston, baltimoresun.com, 10 Apr. 2021 But Edwards was never convinced that T-cells were the alpha and omega of immunity. Jill Neimark, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2013 Doncic is the alpha and omega of the Mavericks’ offense. Doyle Rader, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2022 Power and domination are in this view the alpha and omega. Richard M. Reinsch Ii, National Review, 17 Feb. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alpha and omega.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the fact that alpha and omega are respectively the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpha and omega was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near alpha and omega

Cite this Entry

“Alpha and omega.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpha%20and%20omega. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on alpha and omega

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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