Babel

See also: babel, bąbel, and Bąbel

English

Etymology

From Latin Babel, from Biblical Hebrew בָּבֶל (bāḇel, “Babylon”), from Akkadian 𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠 (bāb ili, “gate of God”), translation of Sumerian 𒅗𒀭 (KA.DINGIR); in Genesis associated with the idea of confusion.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbeɪ.bl̩/
• IPA^(key): /ˈbæb.l̩/
• IPA^(key): /ˈbeɪ.bl̩/, /ˈbæb.l̩/
• Rhymes: -eɪbəl

Proper noun

Babel

1. The city and tower in the land of Shinar where the confusion of languages took place, according to the Bible.

   • Therefore is the name of it called Babel. — Genesis 11:9.

Noun

Babel (plural Babels)

1. A confused mixture of sounds and voices, especially in different languages. [from 16th c.]
   • 2007, Edwin Mullins, The Popes of Avignon, Blue Bridge 2008, p. 48:

     A babel of languages could be heard in the streets and the squares, mingling with the local Provençal.

2. A place or scene of noise and confusion. [from 16th c.]
3. A tall, looming structure. [from 16th c.]

Alternative forms

• babel

Derived terms

• Babeldom
• Babelesque
• Babel fish
• Babelian
• Babelish
• tower of Babel

 

See also

• Wiktionary Babel for user pages

Anagrams

• Bable, Labbe

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Dutch

Etymology

From Middle Dutch babel, from Latin Babel, from Biblical Hebrew בָּבֶל (bāḇel, “Babylon”), from Akkadian 𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbaː.bəl/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: Ba‧bel

Proper noun

Babel n

1. Babel

   Synonym: Babylon

Derived terms

• Babels

Related terms

• Babylon

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Spanish

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /baˈbel/ [baˈβ̞el]

Etymology

From Latin Babel, from Biblical Hebrew בָּבֶל (bāḇel, “Babylon”), from Akkadian 𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠 (bāb ili, “gate of God”), translation of Sumerian 𒅗𒀭 (KA.DINGIR).

Proper noun

Babel ?

1. Babel (city and tower).

Derived terms

• Torre de Babel

Related terms

• Babilonia