What does sodom mean?
Sodom is principally the name of the ancient city described in the Book of Genesis, whose inhabitants were condemned for grave wickedness and whose destruction was represented as the consequence of divine judgment. The name subsequently became a literary and cultural metaphor for extreme moral corruption, licentiousness, or social decay. Phrases such as “Sodom and Gomorrah” commonly pair Sodom with Gomorrah, the other city associated with the same biblical narrative, while comparisons to “a modern Sodom” invoke that broader symbolism. The expression is usually polemical and may be deliberately provocative, particularly when it is used to characterize a city, government, institution, or entertainment culture. Its force comes from the vivid biblical account in which Sodom serves as both a historical setting and a moral warning. The word is therefore most useful to readers as an example of how sacred narrative and figurative language become intertwined in English.
The ancient city in Genesis whose inhabitants are condemned for sin and whose destruction is attributed to fire from heaven.
"The account of Sodom is among the best-known narratives in the Book of Genesis."
As a biblical place name, Sodom is conventionally treated as a proper noun and is not normally pluralized.
A figurative name for a place or condition marked by extreme moral corruption, depravity, or sexual immorality.
"The novel presents the resort town as a prosperous but morally corrupt modern Sodom."
This figurative use is strongly condemnatory and often appears in religious, political, or literary polemic.
Because Sodom names a particular biblical city, it normally has no plural form. A form such as “Sodoms” would be exceptional and would imply multiple cities or comparable places.
"The city was described as a Sodom condemned to destruction."
From a biblical city associated with extraordinary sin to a lasting symbol of depravity, Sodom has remained one of English's most unmistakable place-name metaphors.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sodom come from?
Sodom is the conventional English form of the place name appearing in the Hebrew Bible. Although later traditions associated it with the Sodomites, the precise ancient derivation of the name is uncertain and should not be stated confidently. English adopted the form through the biblical narrative, which subsequently gave rise to the figurative meaning of extreme sin or moral corruption.
Related word forms
How sodom is actually used
The proper noun refers to the biblical city. The figurative use is serious and morally condemnatory, often carrying strong religious or sexual connotations. Comparisons involving Sodom can be especially inflammatory when applied to places or communities.
Easily confused with sodom
Sodom and Gomorrah are two distinct cities in Genesis, although tradition and figurative usage often pair them as symbols of comparable moral corruption.