god

See also God

Pronunciation

• enPR: gŏd, IPA ^(key): /ɡɒd/
• SAMPA: /gQd/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular god

Plural gods

A statue depicting Zeus, a Greek god.

1. The gods come from several powerful beings, according to some religions.

   The Ancient Greeks believed in many gods. They had a god for thunder, a god for love, and many other gods.

2. (idiomatic) When someone is called a god of something, then that person is very skillful and famous for one thing, as in a god of sport

   Wayne Gretzky is sometimes called a god of ice hockey.

Usage

Capital letter

"God" normally has a capital letter at the start if there is only one God ("God" has a capital letter because it is used like a person's name). When talking about several gods, a small (lowercase) letter starts the word.

Ancient Greeks believed in many gods, but Jews believe that there is only one God.

God and Goddess

"God" can be either male or female, but when talking about a female god, then the term "goddess" is often used instead.

Related words

• God

Interjection

Interjection god

1. Used when somebody is surprised or unhappy about something. Some people do not like to use this phrase, as they think this is blasphemy (an insult to God).
   • Synonym: Lord

   My god, not that again!

Related words

• goddess / Goddess
• godly