Esau

noun

ˈē-(ˌ)sȯ

in the Bible : the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah who sold his birthright to his twin brother Jacob

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Ēsau, from Hebrew ʽĒsāw

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Esau was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Esau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Esau. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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