in the Bible : a son of Adam and Eve killed by his brother Cain

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew Hebhel

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Abel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near Abel

Cite this Entry

“Abel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Abel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Biographical Definition

Abel

biographical name

Sir Frederick Augustus 1827–1902 English chemist

More from Merriam-Webster on Abel

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