# paladin

/ˈpæɫədɪn/ (US) · /pˈælɐdˌɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paladin
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a knight who is known for being brave, honest, and loyal. In modern stories, they are often heroes who fight for justice and protect the weak.

For teachers: a knight or champion who is distinguished by virtue, loyalty, and a commitment to justice. Often used in modern fantasy literature to describe a character who upholds a strict moral code.

## Examples

- The paladin stood guard over the village during the night.
- In the game, the paladin is the only character who can heal his allies while fighting the enemy.
- The protagonist's journey is that of a reluctant paladin, forced to embrace his role as a protector of the realm despite his personal doubts and fears.

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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.