Gideon

/ˈɡɪd.i.ən/ name, noun

name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A member of Gideons International, an evangelical Christian association, founded in 1899, that distributes free copies of the Bible.
  • Grammar: gideon is listed as name, noun.
  • Nearest alternatives: biblical judge, forename, israelite leader, name.
  • Useful contrasts: family name, surname.
  • Usage evidence: Gideon Levy says that Israel is not a democracy.

How to use "gideon"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gideon" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gideon" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "gideon" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "gideon" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

  • Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "gideon" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "biblical judge" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "gideon", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A member of Gideons International, an evangelical Christian association, founded in 1899, that distributes free copies of the Bible.
Proper Noun
  1. 1
    Initialism of Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network, a medical decision support tool. abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
  2. 2
    A warrior judge of Israel mentioned in the book of Judges.

    "And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place."

  3. 3
    A male given name from Hebrew, popularized by Puritans.

    "“He accused us of slandering him, presumably by implying he was a hipster, and of using the pic without his permission,” Gideon Lichfield, the Review’s editor-in-chief, explained Tuesday on Twitter."

  4. 4
    An English surname originating as a patronymic.
  5. 5
    A city in Missouri, United States; named for lumber businessman Frank Gideon.
Show 1 more definition
  1. 6
    A census-designated place in Oklahoma, United States.

Synonyms

All synonyms
biblical judgeforenameisraelite leadernamepersonal name

Antonyms

family namesurname

Example

"Gideon Levy says that Israel is not a democracy."

Common questions

What does "gideon" mean?

A member of Gideons International, an evangelical Christian association, founded in 1899, that distributes free copies of the Bible.

What is a synonym for "gideon"?

Common synonyms include: biblical judge, forename, israelite leader, name, personal name.

How do you use "gideon" in a sentence?

Gideon Levy says that Israel is not a democracy.

How do you pronounce "gideon"?

Pronounced /ˈɡɪd.i.ən/.

Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew גִּדְעוֹן (gid'ón, “Gideon”) ("feller", "hewer", "mighty warrior").

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