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Definition of gilead

gilead

/ˈɡɪl.i.əd/
Gil · e · ad
Adjective:Gileadean
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gilead Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A fictional, totalitarian, and theocratic country that replaces the United States in Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel 'The Handmaid's Tale'.

2

A mountainous historical region east of the Jordan River in modern-day Jordan, referenced in the Bible and renowned for producing a highly valued healing balm.

Example

"In the Old Testament, the nomadic tribes sought pasture for their flocks in the fertile hills of Gilead."

Word Nuance & Usage

Most commonly encountered today in literary contexts referencing the dystopian setting of Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale', or in the biblical phrase 'balm of Gilead' signifying a universal cure.

• Rhymes for gilead

• Nearby Words

gild
gilded
gilding
gilead
gilet
gilia
gill

Word Origin & Etymology

From Hebrew 'Gil'ad', meaning 'hill of testimony' or 'rocky region', originally referring to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River in the Bible.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gilead. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gilead
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