Abba

or ab·ba

[ ab-uh ]

/ ˈæb ə /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for Abba on Thesaurus.com

noun

a title of reverence for bishops and patriarchs in the Coptic, Ethiopian Christian, and Syriac churches.

New Testament. an Aramaic word for father, used by Jesus and Paul to address God in a relation of personal intimacy.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON HAS VS. HAVE!

Do you have the grammar chops to know when to use “have” or “has”? Let’s find out with this quiz!

Question 1 of 7

My grandmother ________ a wall full of antique cuckoo clocks.

has

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of Abba

From the Aramaic word abbā “father”

Words nearby Abba

A battery, abattoir, abaxial, abaya, abb, Abba, abbacy, abba-dabba, Abbado, Abbai, Abbas

Other definitions for Abba (2 of 2)

Abba²

[ ah-bah ]

/ ˈɑ bɑ /

noun

a female day name for Thursday.See under day name.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use Abba in a sentence

Plus, she managed to find raw emotion in an Abba song—no easy feat.
‘Into the Woods’ Cast: Grading the Singing of Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp & More|Kevin Fallon|July 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Abba Eban famously quipped that the Palestinians never miss a chance to miss a chance.
Israel Missed Its Chance—Again|Carlo Strenger|November 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He was in one aisle, the Israeli statesman Abba Eban was in another, and I was moving between the two.
Vintage Summer Reads: Jeffrey Robinson’s Book Bag|Jeffrey Robinson|August 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
And of ABBA's four members, just two showed up to be presented with their awards from Barry and Robin Gibb.
Music's Big Night|Jacob Bernstein|March 16, 2010|DAILY BEAST

The Spirit intercedes for us not in many words or long prayers, but with groanings, with little sounds like "Abba."
Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians|Martin Luther
This one little word "Abba" surpasses the eloquence of a Demosthenes and a Cicero.
Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians|Martin Luther
Its most northern extremity, the summit of Abba Yared, is fifteen thousand feet high.
The World and Its People: Book VII|Anna B. Badlam
Abba-Areka had been commanded to control the prices of the market, and to prevent the necessaries of life from becoming too dear.
History of the Jews, Vol. II (of 6)|Heinrich Graetz
Twelve hundred disciples, attracted by Abba-Areka's reputation, flocked together from every district of Babylonia.
History of the Jews, Vol. II (of 6)|Heinrich Graetz

British Dictionary definitions for Abba (1 of 2)

Abba¹

/ (ˈæbə) /

noun

Swedish pop group (1972–82): comprised Benny Andersson (born 1946), Agnetha Faltskog (born 1950), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born 1945), and Bjorn Ulvaeus (born 1945); numerous hit singles included "Waterloo" (1974), "Dancing Queen" (1977), and "The Winner Takes It All" (1980)

British Dictionary definitions for Abba (2 of 2)

Abba²

/ (ˈæbə) /

noun

New Testament father (used of God)

a title given to bishops and patriarchs in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Churches

Word Origin for Abba

from Aramaic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012