Lilith

noun

Lil·ith ˈli-ləth

1

: a woman who in rabbinic legend is Adam's first wife, is supplanted by Eve, and becomes an evil spirit

2

: a famous witch in medieval demonology

Word History

Etymology

Late Hebrew līlīth, from Hebrew, a female demon

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of Lilith was in 1614

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

Liliiflorae

Lilith

lilium

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lilith.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lilith. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

truculent

Listen to the pronunciation of truculent

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds