# Michael

/ˈmaɪkəɫ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. male name

noun · CEFR A1

a very popular first name for a man or boy.

For teachers: a common male given name, derived from the Hebrew name meaning 'who is like God'.

- My brother Michael is starting his new job at the hospital on Monday.
- Michael remains one of the most enduringly popular names in the English-speaking world, consistently appearing in top-ten lists for decades.

### 2. the archangel

noun · CEFR B2

a powerful angel in the Bible and other religious books who leads the army of God.

For teachers: an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition, typically depicted as a warrior and protector of the faithful.

- The old church has a beautiful window showing Saint Michael fighting a dragon.
- In medieval iconography, Michael is frequently portrayed in full armour, symbolising his role as the leader of the celestial armies against darkness.

### 3. a surname

noun · CEFR B1

a family name or last name.

For teachers: a patronymic surname derived from the given name.

- The author of the book is a woman named Sarah Michael.
- While more common as a first name, Michael serves as a surname for many families across Europe and North America.

## Examples

- My brother's name is Michael.
- Michael was promoted to manager after working for the company for five years.
- The archangel Michael is a significant figure in several religious traditions, often depicted as a leader of the heavenly armies.

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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.