Deuteronomy

noun

Deu·​ter·​on·​o·​my ˌdü-tə-ˈrä-nə-mē 

also ˌdyü-

: the fifth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture containing narrative and Mosaic laws see Bible Table

Examples of Deuteronomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But when the ground shakes, the lights flicker and the dancers feel the coming of Old Deuteronomy, Buteau and Peppermint are escorted offstage to spend the rest of the show snapping their fans as audience members. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026

Finally, nearly three hours after doors opened … the lights dimmed, and from a set of doors at the side of the orchestra, Madonna — wearing sunglasses, a shimmering silver dress, and a hulking white fur coat — emerged like Old Deuteronomy. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 7 June 2026

Just as churchgoers will lie about familiarity with Leviticus or Deuteronomy, so too will readers lie about having read Miquel Cervantes and George Eliot. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Overall, the cast is a mix of ballroom and Broadway, with Tony Award winner André De Shields in the role of Old Deuteronomy, the final judge of the ball. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026

Judaism’s kosher laws stem from the biblical books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which detail which animals may be eaten, such as cows and lambs, and which are prohibited, such as pigs and shellfish. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2026

André De Shields, Tony-winning royalty, presides over this Jellicle Ball in the role of Old Deuteronomy. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Broadway legend André De Shields plays Old Deuteronomy in the show, while Chasity 'Tempress' Moore is Grizabella and Jonathan Burke takes the role of Mungojerrie. — Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Deutronomie, from Late Latin Deuteronomium, from Greek Deuteronomion, from deuter- + nomos law — more at nimble

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Deuteronomy

• aeronomy
• agronomy
• astronomy
• autonomy
• economy
• gastronomy
• metonymy
• taxonomy

Kids Definition

Deuteronomy

noun

Deu·​ter·​on·​o·​my ˌd(y)üt-ə-ˈrän-ə-mē 

: the fifth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture containing narrative and laws see bible