angel
an-gel · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A spiritual being believed to act as an attendant or messenger of God.
- 2.
A person of exemplary conduct or virtue; someone who is kind and helpful.
- 3.
A financial backer who provides capital for a business startup.
- 4.
A male given name, especially common in Spanish-speaking cultures.
Forms
plural: angels
Phrases & expressions
- •guardian angel — A spirit believed to watch over and protect a person.
- •angel investor — A wealthy individual who invests in startups.
- •fallen angel — An angel who has been cast out of heaven; also, a person who has lost their good reputation.
Related words
Etymology
From Old English engel, from Latin angelus, from Greek angelos ("messenger"). The word originally meant simply "messenger" before taking on religious significance.