English Reference
noun · adjective

soul

n. · adj.
US /ˈsoʊɫ/ UK /sˈəʊl/ soul UK spelling soul's, soul's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Religion

    n.the part of a person that is not physical and that many people believe continues to exist after death.

    n.the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, often regarded as immortal.

    Simple

    Many religions teach that the soul leaves the body after a person dies.

    In context

    The philosopher argued that the soul represents the true seat of human consciousness, independent of biological decay.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the deepest part of your mind or feelings where your true character is.

    n.the essence or animating spirit of a person, place, or work of art.

    Simple

    You can tell he put his heart and soul into writing this book.

    In context

    The architect believed that the central courtyard was the soul of the building, providing a sense of peace to everyone inside.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a person, especially when you are talking about how many people are in a place.

    n.an individual human being; frequently used in negative constructions or to emphasize a count of people.

    Simple

    The streets were empty and there wasn't a soul in sight.

    In context

    The captain reported that every soul on board the sinking vessel had been safely transferred to the rescue boats.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Music

    n.a type of popular music that expresses deep feelings, originally created by African American musicians.

    n.a genre of popular music that originated in the African American community in the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by gospel and R&B influences.

    Simple

    She loves listening to old soul records from the 1960s.

    In context

    The singer's powerful voice was perfectly suited for soul, conveying a raw emotional depth that resonated with the live audience.

    soul music
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate American EnglishInformal

    adj.related to African American culture, especially food or music.

    adj.pertaining to or characteristic of African American culture and its expressions of emotion and identity.

    Simple

    We went to a great restaurant that serves traditional soul food.

    In context

    The festival celebrated soul culture through a vibrant display of music, dance, and culinary traditions from the American South.

A woman killed in a house fire has been described by her mother as "a beautiful soul, who would have done anything for anybody".

BBC News· 27 Aug 2026

You become a team when the players find a connection, a spirit, a soul.

The Guardian· 22 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated