Babel

Definition

A confused mixture of sounds and voices, especially in different languages.

Etymology

From Latin Babel, from Biblical Hebrew בָּבֶל (bāḇel, “Babylon”), from Akkadian 𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠 (Bābilim); in Genesis associated with the idea of confusion. Doublet of Babylon.

Example Sentences

• "As the three were making their way through the crowds of marketers, camels, donkeys, and horses that filled the market place with a confusing babel of sounds, Abdul plucked at Tarzan’s sleeve."
• "A babel of languages could be heard in the streets and the squares, mingling with the local Provençal."