Babylon

noun

Bab·​y·​lon ˈba-bə-ˌlän How to pronounce Babylon (audio) -lən How to pronounce Babylon (audio)
: a city devoted to materialism and sensual pleasure

Word History

Etymology

Babylon, ancient city of Babylonia

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Babylon was in 1581

Rhymes for Babylon

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Browse Nearby Words

babyish
Babylon
Babylonia
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Cite this Entry

“Babylon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Babylon. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Geographical Definition

Babylon

geographical name

Bab·​y·​lon ˈba-bə-lən How to pronounce Babylon (audio) -ˌlän How to pronounce Babylon (audio)
ancient city and capital of Babylonia

Note: The site of Babylon is about 55 miles (89 kilometers) south of Baghdad near the Euphrates River.

see also:
babylonian

More from Merriam-Webster on Babylon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Babylon

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Last Updated: - Definition revised

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