Babylon

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈbæbɪ.lÉ’n/
• US IPA: /ˈbæbɪ.lÉ‘n/

Origin

From Latin Babylōn, from Ancient Greek Βαβυλών, from Akkadian

2

.DINGIR.RA

KI

|lit=Gate of God|lang=akk|sc=Xsux}, translation of Sumerian KA.DINGIR; the name of the ancient Chaldean capital and Biblical city of the Apocalypse.

Full definition of Babylon

Proper noun

1. Capital of Babylonia in the 2nd and 1st century BC.
2. Any city of great wealth, luxury and vice.
• 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 2, Mother...considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.
3. (Rastafarianism) Western civilization, seen as corrupt and materialistic, and contrasted with Zion.

Derived terms

• Babylonia
• Babylonian
• Whore of Babylon