angel

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who is very kind, helpful, or beautiful.

n. a person who manifests qualities traditionally attributed to celestial beings, such as exceptional kindness, purity, or patience.

“You are an absolute angel for helping me move house all weekend.”

“The nurses were described as angels by the patients for their tireless dedication during the long night shifts.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Finance Technical

n. a wealthy person who gives money to help a new business or a theater show start.

n. a private investor who provides financial backing for small startups or theatrical productions, often in exchange for equity or a share of profits.

“The startup survived its first year thanks to a generous angel investor.”

“Without the support of a Broadway angel, the experimental play would never have secured a venue for its opening night.”

C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Science Slang · Technical

n. a word used by pilots to talk about how high they are flying in thousands of feet.

n. a term used in military aviation to indicate altitude in thousands of feet.

“The pilot reported that he was flying at angels fifteen.”

“The flight lead instructed the squadron to maintain angels twenty until they cleared the mountain range to the north.”

C2 · Proficiency Theater Slang · Informal

v. to support a project or person by giving them money.

v. to act as a financial backer for a project, particularly in the arts or business.

“He decided to angel the new musical after reading the script.”

“Several wealthy patrons agreed to angel the independent film, providing the necessary capital for post-production and distribution.”