What does "jacob" mean?
A breed of multihorned sheep.
Jacob
/ˈd͡ʒeɪkəb/ name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A breed of multihorned sheep.
- Grammar: jacob is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: isaiah, israel, jack, jacobus.
- Useful contrasts: esau.
- Usage evidence: It looks like Jacob has been bitten by the love bug.
How to use "jacob"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "jacob" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- 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 "jacob" 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 "jacob" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "jacob" 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 "jacob" is acting as name, noun, slang 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 "isaiah" 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 "jacob", 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 A breed of multihorned sheep.
- 2 (Old Testament) son of Isaac; brother of Esau; father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel; Jacob wrestled with God and forced God to bless him, so God gave Jacob the new name of Israel (meaning ‘one who has been strong against God’) wordnet
- 3 A ladder. UK, obsolete, slang
"Where's the Jacob? — the what, sir? — the Jacob! the ladder ye fool!"
Proper Noun
- 1 A male given name from Hebrew.
""Georgette. How are you called?" "Jacob." "That's a Flemish name." "American too." "You're not a Flamand?" "No, American." "Good, I detest Flamands." - - - Brett smiled at him. "I've promised to dance this with Jacob," she laughed. "You've a hell of a biblical name, Jake.""
- 2 A male given name from Hebrew.; One of the sons of Isaac and Rebecca, and twin brother of Esau; father of the Israelites (Jews and Samaritans) by 12 sons by 4 consorts, most famously Judah and Joseph who fathered Manasseh.
"And the boyes grew; and Eſau was a cunning hunter, a man of the fielde: and Iacob was a plaine man, dwelling in tents."
- 3 A male given name from Hebrew.; The fifth son of Lehi and one of the younger brothers of Nephi, author of one of the books in the Book of Mormon. Mormonism
Antonyms
Example
"It looks like Jacob has been bitten by the love bug."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "jacob"?
Common synonyms include: isaiah, israel, jack, jacobus, jake, jeremiah.
How do you use "jacob" in a sentence?
It looks like Jacob has been bitten by the love bug.
How do you pronounce "jacob"?
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒeɪkəb/.
Etymology
From Middle English Iacob, from Late Latin Iācōbus, from Ancient Greek Ἰάκωβος (Iákōbos), from Biblical Hebrew יַעֲקֹב (yaʿăqōḇ, literally “he will/shall heel”), from עָקֵב (ʿāqēḇ, “heel”). Doublet of James.