English

Proper noun

Ishmael ‎(uncountable)

1. (Abrahamic religions) The eldest son of Abraham and his wife's handmaiden Hagar who were cast out after the birth of Isaac; traditionally the ancestor of the Arabs via the Ishmaelites.
   • 1611 — King James Version of the Bible, Genesis 16:15

     And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

2. A male given name.
   • 1851 — Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, ch 1

     Call me Ishmael.

Related terms

• Ismail

Translations