1
: the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life
2
a
: the spiritual principle embodied in human beings, all rational and spiritual beings, or the universe
b
3
: a person's total self
4
a
: an active or essential part
b
: a moving spirit : leader
5
a
: the moral and emotional nature of human beings
b
: the quality that arouses emotion and sentiment
c
: spiritual or moral force : fervor
6
: person
not a soul in sight
7
: personification
she is the soul of integrity
8
a
: a strong positive feeling (as of intense sensitivity and emotional fervor) conveyed especially by African American performers
b
: cultural consciousness and pride among people of African heritage
c
d
e
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Black Americans or their culture
It will feature various local musicians such as Faithe, Rashawn Stallworth and Jamal Steele, all who embody a hip-hop and soul style to their music.—
Kamal Morgan
see also soul brother, soul food, soul music, soul sister
Kamal MorganExamples of soul in a Sentence
Noun
the souls of the dead
He could not escape the guilt that he felt in the inner recesses of his soul.
Some poor soul was asking for handouts on the street.
a village of barely a hundred souls
Recent Examples on the Web
Usa Today, USA Today, 14 May 2025
The soundtrack is loaded with classic rock and soul, and practically every scene references the films of that era — particularly gritty crime thrillers like Charley Varrick and The Outfit — or period pieces set around the same time.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Learn soul line-dances choreographed to R&B, jazz, gospel and Latin tunes.
—Linda McIntosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, 9 July 2018
See All Example Sentences for soul
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Noun
The moon’s connection to Mars presents the perfect opportunity to lay your soul bare.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 14 May 2025
The soundtrack is loaded with classic rock and soul, and practically every scene references the films of that era — particularly gritty crime thrillers like Charley Varrick and The Outfit — or period pieces set around the same time.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Adjective
His ability to merge jazz, funk and soul helped shape the neo-soul movement, and his impact can still be felt in modern music.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Learn soul line-dances choreographed to R&B, jazz, gospel and Latin tunes.
—Linda McIntosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, 9 July 2018
See All Example Sentences for soul
Cite this Entry
“Soul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
soul
1 of 2 noun1
: the spiritual part of a person believed to give life to the body and in many religions thought to live forever
2
a
: the necessary part of something
b
: a person who leads or stirs others to action : leader
the soul of the campaign
3
a
: the part of one's personality having to do with feelings and the sense of what is right and wrong
felt my soul rebel against injustice
b
: spiritual force : fervor
4
: person
a kind soul
5
a
: a strong positive feeling conveyed especially by Black American performers
b
souled
adjective
ˈsōld
soul
2 of 2 adjective1
: of or relating to Black Americans or their culture
soul food
2
: designed for or controlled by Black people
soul radio stations
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