benjamin

[ ben-juh-muh n ]
/ ˈbɛn dʒə mən /

noun

Origin of benjamin

1570–80; alteration (by association with the proper name) of benjoin, early form of benzoin1

Definition for benjamin (2 of 2)

Benjamin
[ ben-juh-muh n ]
/ ˈbɛn dʒə mən /

noun

the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph. Gen. 35:18.
one of the 12 tribes of ancient Israel traditionally descended from him.
Asher,1773–1845, U.S. architect and writer.
Judah Philip,1811–84, Confederate statesman.
a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “son of the right.”

Example sentences from the Web for benjamin

British Dictionary definitions for benjamin (1 of 3)

benjamin
/ (ˈbɛndʒəmɪn) /

noun

another name for benzoin (def. 1)
benjamin bush another name for spicebush

Word Origin for benjamin

C16: variant of benzoin; influenced in form by the name Benjamin

British Dictionary definitions for benjamin (2 of 3)

Benjamin 1
/ (ˈbɛndʒəmɪn) /

noun

Old Testament
  1. the youngest and best-loved son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 35:16–18; 42:4)
  2. the tribe descended from this patriarch
  3. the territory of this tribe, northwest of the Dead Sea
archaic a youngest and favourite son

British Dictionary definitions for benjamin (3 of 3)

Benjamin 2
/ (ˈbɛndʒəmɪn) /

noun

Arthur . 1893–1960, Australian composer. In addition to Jamaican Rumba (1938), he wrote five operas and a harmonica concerto (1953)
(German ˈbɛnɪamin) Walter (ˈvaltər). 1892–1940, German critic and cultural theorist