ebenezer

noun

eb·​e·​ne·​zer

ˌebə¦nēzə(r)

plural -s

1

usually capitalized : a commemoration of divine assistance

here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by Thy help I'm come

—Robert Robinson

2

dialectal : anger, temper

he must have had a tempestical time of it for she had got her ebenezer up

—T. C. Haliburton

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew ebhen hā-ʽezer stone of help; from the application of this name by Samuel to the stone which he set up in commemoration of God's help to the Israelites in their victory over the Philistines at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:12)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now