Balaam

[ bey-luhm ]

noun

1. (in the Bible) a Mesopotamian diviner who, when commanded by Balak to curse the Israelites, blessed them and uttered favorable prophecies after having been rebuked by the ass he rode.

Balaam

/ ˈbeɪlæm /

noun

1. Old Testament a Mesopotamian diviner who, when summoned to curse the Israelites, prophesied future glories for them instead, after being reproached by his ass (Numbers 22–23)

Other Words From

• Ba·laam·ite [bey, -l, uh, -mahyt], noun
• Ba·laam·it·i·cal [bey-l, uh, -, mit, -i-k, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Balaam¹

From Late Latin Balaam, from Greek Balaám, from Hebrew Bilʿām, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The other sibling, Harry, was found wrapped in a white blanket in Balaam Street, Plaistow, in September 2017.

From BBC

He successfully towed the car free, but when he got out, the plough began to move while unattended, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said at the time.

From BBC

Renner was trying to get back into the driver's seat to stop it moving, when the "extremely large" piece of equipment ran him over, Mr Balaam added.

From BBC

Renner was trying to get back into the driver's seat to stop it moving, when the "extremely large" piece of equipment ran him over, Mr Balaam said.

From BBC

Renner successfully towed the car free, but when he got out, the plough began to move while empty, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said at the time.

From BBC