: the most powerful spirit of evil in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam who is often represented as the ruler of hell
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
Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Daniel Stamm, the filmmaker behind titles like The Last Exorcism and Prey for the Devil, is set to direct from a script by Emmy-winning playwright Justin Yoffe.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 June 2025
Williams is the former drummer of the metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
The number of people on the plane at the time of the crash remains unconfirmed but it is speculated Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada, also died in the crash.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the Devil
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Noun
Both pitchers can trace their acquisitions to No. 1 overall picks from the Devil Rays era.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Daniel Stamm, the filmmaker behind titles like The Last Exorcism and Prey for the Devil, is set to direct from a script by Emmy-winning playwright Justin Yoffe.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 June 2025
Williams is the former drummer of the metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
The number of people on the plane at the time of the crash remains unconfirmed but it is speculated Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada, also died in the crash.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the Devil
Cite this Entry
“The Devil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20Devil. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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