Daniel

American  

[dan-yuhl] / ˈdæn yəl /

noun

1. Bible.

   1. a prophet living in Babylon during the Captivity.

   2. the book of the Bible bearing his name. Dan.

2. Samuel, 1562–1619, English poet and historian: poet laureate 1599–1619.

3. a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “the Lord is my judge.”

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Daniel ¹ British  

/ ˈdænjəl /

noun

1. Old Testament

   1. a youth who was taken into the household of Nebuchadnezzar, received guidance and apocalyptic visions from God, and was given divine protection when thrown into the lions' den

   2. the book that recounts these experiences and visions (in full The Book of the Prophet Daniel )

2. (often preceded by a) a wise upright person

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Daniel ² British  

/ ˈdænjəl /

noun

1. Paul ( Wilson ). born 1958, English conductor; musical director of the English National Opera (1997–2005)

2. Samuel. ?1562–1619, English poet and writer: author of the sonnet sequence Delia (1592)

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Etymology

Origin of Daniel

sense 2: referring to Daniel in the Apocryphal Book of Susanna

Example Sentences

Speaking of “Gangs of New York,” Mr. Scorsese had to convince Daniel Day-Lewis to return to acting—he was, at the time, a cobbler’s apprentice in Florence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"Squids and cuttlefish have so many unique features compared to other animal groups, making them an endless source of inspiration for scientists," says Prof. Daniel Rokhsar, head of the Molecular Genetics Unit.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

Director Daniel Goldhaber, co-writer Isa Mazzei and star Barbie Ferreira discuss the “moral peril” of smartening up a notorious horror movie for a new generation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

What’s Next: S&P Global Vice Chairman Daniel Yergin told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that the energy crisis is manageable if the conflict is relatively contained, just a couple more weeks.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Spiritualists, possibly also Leah and Daniel Underhill, offered to pay for both sisters to stay at a well-known residential rehab facility run by Dr. George Taylor and his wife, Sarah.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock