Samaritan

noun

Sa·​mar·​i·​tan sə-ˈmer-ə-tən 

1

: a native or inhabitant of Samaria

2

[from the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–37] : a person who is generous in helping those in distress

samaritan adjective often capitalized

Examples of Samaritan in a Sentence

A Samaritan called a tow truck for us.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Samaritan Resource Center is a drop-in center that provides help with government documents, finding jobs, getting medical care, and providing services like showers, laundry, and a supply pantry for people in need in the eastern part of the county. —Mike Valente, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025

Read Next National Good Samaritan killed breaking up teen fight, CO officials say. —Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Even among non-Christians, Jesus’s reputation as a teacher is well known, and many of His expressions (e.g., going the extra mile, a house divided against itself, a city on a hill, the good Samaritan) have entered into common language. —Dominic Pino, National Review, 20 Apr. 2025

The victim was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital, where he was treated for stab wounds and internal bleeding. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin samaritanus, noun & adjective, from Greek samaritēs inhabitant of Samaria, from Samaria

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Samaritan

• Good Samaritan

Rhymes for Samaritan

• cytokeratin
• ferritin
• keratin