the Devil

1 of 2

noun (1)

: the most powerful spirit of evil in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam who is often represented as the ruler of hell

the devil

2 of 2

noun (2)

informal
1
used to make a statement or question more forceful
What the devil are you talking about?
Where the devil have you been?
2
: something that is very difficult or that causes a lot of trouble
The shoes look great, but they're the devil to walk in.

Examples of the Devil 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.
Noun
The route will connect the Falls with the Whirlpool, Whirlpool Rapids, and the Devil’s Hole Rapids. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026 Bernasconi seeded the Devil’s Place bar with 400 different whiskies from his personal collection. Don Tse, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
The area’s storied ship and plane disappearances have sparked urban legends, earning it the ominous nickname of the Devil’s Triangle. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025 So much of Queen’s life in Between the Devil is without her permission—the move from Los Angeles, the work, the abandoning of a degree. Diana Arterian august 21, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the Devil

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The Devil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20Devil. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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!