Babel

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

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈbeɪ.bl̩/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈbæb.l̩/
• (Canada) 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. — Gen. xi. 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.]

See also

• Wiktionary Babel for user pages

Anagrams

• Bable, Labbe

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [β̞ a̠ˈβ̞ e̞l]

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).