Adam

1 of 2

noun

Ad·​am ˈa-dəm How to pronounce Adam (audio)
1
in the Bible : the first man and father by Eve of Cain and Abel
2
: the unregenerate nature of man
used especially in the phrase the old Adam
Adamic adjective
or Adamical

Adam

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being an 18th century decorative style (as of furniture) characterized by straight lines, surface decoration, and conventional designs (such as festooned garlands and medallions)

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Late Latin, borrowed from Hebrew Ādhām

Adjective

after Robert adam and James adam

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1846, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near Adam

Cite this Entry

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

Biographical Definition

Adam

biographical name

Ad·​am ˈa-dəm How to pronounce Adam (audio)
Robert 1728–1792 and his brother James 1730–1794 Scottish architects and furniture designers

More from Merriam-Webster on Adam

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!