plural baals or baalim ˈbā-(ə-)ləm How to pronounce baal (audio)
ˈbā-ə-ˌlim
often capitalized
: any of numerous Canaanite and Phoenician local deities
baalism noun often capitalized

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew baʽal lord

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near baal

Cite this Entry

“Baal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baal. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on baal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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