Goliath

noun

Go·​li·​ath gə-ˈlī-əth 

1

: a Philistine champion who in I Samuel 17 is killed by David

2

: giant

Synonyms

• behemoth
• blockbuster
• colossus
• dinosaur
• dreadnought
• elephant
• giant
• jumbo
• leviathan
• mammoth
• mastodon
• monster
• titan
• whale
• whopper

Examples of Goliath in a Sentence

the family-owned company lost the contract to a multibillion-dollar Goliath

Recent Examples on the Web

The team that seemed like a savior, ready to rescue bored fans from Tom Brady's clutches now has become its own Goliath. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025

Would God one day raise up a new King, who would defeat the massive empire, just as young king David once felled Goliath? —Lynne Silva-Breen, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Looming over the plaza, street, and statue below, the Goliath extends beyond the frame of the painting, serving as a reminder that the future is yet unknown. —Mara Hoberman, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025

Being that this is Hollywood where perception is reality over half the time, and lawyers love to snag a spotlight or two, Range’s Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher lead attorney came at CAA with some old school David and Goliath burns. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew Golyath

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Goliath

• Goliath grouper