# Abigail

/ˈæbəˌɡeɪɫ/ (US) · /ˈæbɪɡˌeɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abigail
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. given name

noun · CEFR A1

a popular female first name.

For teachers: a female given name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'my father's joy'.

- Abigail decided to go by the nickname Abby at her new school.
- The name Abigail saw a significant resurgence in popularity across English-speaking countries during the early twenty-first century.

### 2. biblical figure

noun · CEFR B2

a woman in the Bible known for being wise and beautiful.

For teachers: a figure in the Old Testament, the wife of Nabal and later of King David, noted for her intelligence and diplomacy.

- In the Bible story, Abigail brings food to David to protect her household.
- The biblical Abigail is often cited in theological studies as a model of prudent intervention and strategic peacemaking.

### 3. a lady's maid

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

an old-fashioned word for a woman who works as a personal servant for a lady.

For teachers: a lady's waiting-maid; a term derived from the character in Beaumont and Fletcher's play 'The Scornful Lady'.

- The countess rang the bell for her abigail to help her dress for the ball.
- In nineteenth-century literature, the term abigail was frequently employed to describe the intimate relationship between a noblewoman and her primary servant.

Usage: Usually written with a lowercase 'a' when used as a common noun.

## Examples

- Abigail is reading a book in the garden.
- Abigail signed her name at the top of the letter before sealing the envelope.
- The character of Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's play serves as a catalyst for the hysteria that consumes the small Puritan community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.