behemoth

noun

be·​he·​moth bi-ˈhē-məth  ˈbē-ə-məth 

-ˌmäth, 

-ˌmȯth

often attributive

1

usually Behemoth religion : a mighty animal described in Job 40:15–24 as an example of the power of God

2

: something of monstrous size, power, or appearance

a behemoth truck

Did you know?

In the biblical book of Job, Behemoth is the name of a powerful grass-eating, river-dwelling beast with bones likened to bronze pipes and limbs likened to iron bars. Scholars have speculated that the biblical creature was inspired by the hippopotamus, but details about the creature’s exact nature are vague. The word first passed from the Hebrew word bĕhēmōth into Late Latin (the Latin used by writers in the third to sixth centuries), where, according to 15th century English poet and monk John Lydgate it referred to "a beast rude full of cursednesse." In modern English, behemoth functions as an evocative term for something of monstrous size, power, or appearance.

Synonyms of behemoth

• giant
• whale
• monster
• dinosaur
• mammoth

Examples of behemoth in a Sentence

the newest SUV is a gas-guzzling behemoth that doesn't even fit in a standard parking space

Recent Examples on the Web

Back the companies willing to take risks The United States needs an advanced manufacturing ecosystem that includes more than behemoths with access to capital markets and giant lines of credit. — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

These behemoth, gas-guzzling vehicles disappeared with the brand. — Matt Degen, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026

While the Super Bowl is the media-industry’s biggest annual event, the World Cup, with its weeks of game play and ability to attract audiences around the globe, is a behemoth that cannot be ignored. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Aman at Sea, the yacht venture by hospitality behemoth Aman Resorts, just announced the inaugural Caribbean itineraries for the 600-foot Amangati, with cruises to the vibrant region running from the end of 2027 to the beginning of 2028. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Hebrew bĕhēmōth

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

behemoth

noun

be·​he·​moth bi-ˈhē-məth  ˈbē-ə-ˌməth 

-ˌmäth, 

-ˌmȯth

1

often capitalized : an animal described in the Bible that is probably the hippopotamus

2

: something of monstrous size or power