archangel

noun

arch·​an·​gel ˈärk-ˌān-jəl How to pronounce archangel (audio)
1
: a chief angel
2
archangels plural : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy
archangelic adjective

Examples of archangel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stained glass images of archangels, known as protectors of humanity and messengers from God, loomed overhead in the apse. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 Its shadow—cast from a gilded weather vane in the shape of archangel Gabriel 323-feet in the air—has marked the passing of days over the most famous plaza in Venice for more than a century. Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Atop a cupola, the archangel Michael stands seven feet tall, his sword lowered, facing a Burger King. Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 The Jubilee’s first event was a parish picnic last Sept. 29 in Rancho Bernardo Community Park, a date coinciding with the Feast of the Archangels — Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael — the three archangels mentioned in the Bible. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for archangel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French archangle, from Late Latin archangelus, from Greek archangelos, from archi- + angelos angel

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of archangel was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Archangel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archangel. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

archangel

noun
arch·​an·​gel ˈärk-ˌān-jəl How to pronounce archangel (audio)
: an angel of high rank
archangelic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on archangel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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