Philemon

noun Phi·le·mon \fə-ˈlē-mən, fī-\

Definition of PHILEMON

: a friend and probable convert of the apostle Paul

: a letter written by St. Paul to a Christian living in the area of Colossae and included as a book in the New Testament — see bible table

: a poor aged Phrygian in Greek mythology who with his wife Baucis treats a disguised Zeus hospitably and is rewarded by him with a splendid temple

See Philemon defined for kids

Greek Philēmōn

First Known Use: 14th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: philenor butterflyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: PhilemAll Words Near: Philemon

What made you want to look up Philemon? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears