: 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
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
Conti would see his most extensive playing time in the majors with the Devil Rays in 2002.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
In The Bondsman, murdered bounty hunter Hub Halloran (Bacon) is resurrected by the Devil to trap and send back demons that have escaped from the prison of hell.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the Devil
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
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
Conti would see his most extensive playing time in the majors with the Devil Rays in 2002.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
In The Bondsman, murdered bounty hunter Hub Halloran (Bacon) is resurrected by the Devil to trap and send back demons that have escaped from the prison of hell.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 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 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share