satyr

noun

sa·​tyr ˈsā-tər 

 chiefly British  ˈsa-

1

often capitalized : a sylvan deity in Greek mythology having certain characteristics of a horse or goat and fond of Dionysian revelry

2

a

: a lecherous man

b

: one having satyriasis

3

: any of various satyrid butterflies

satyric

sā-ˈtir-ik 

sə-

sa-

adjective

Did you know?

Satyrs, the minor forest gods of Greek mythology, had the face, torso, and arms of a man, the ears and tail of a goat, and two goatlike legs. Fond of the pleasures associated with Dionysus (or Bacchus), the god of wine, they were full of playful and sometimes violent energies, and spent much of their time chasing the beautiful nature spirits known as nymphs. Satyrs show up over and over in ancient art. The Greek god Pan, with his reed pipes and mischievous delight in life, had the appearance and character of a satyr but greater powers. Notice how satyr is pronounced; it's quite different from satire.

Synonyms

• Casanova
• Don Juan
• lecher
• lothario
• lounge lizard
• masher
• philanderer
• wolf
• womanizer

Examples of satyr in a Sentence

the legendary conquests of a suburban satyr

Recent Examples on the Web

Age-old paintings of satyrs bedding nymphs and mythological figures fornicating have been newly unearthed at a small house at Pompeii. —Alex Greenberger For Artnews, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024

Other frescos show the sensual embrace of a satyr (a half-man, half-goat) and a nymph (a maiden goddess). —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024

In ancient Greece, satyrs were considered wild creatures. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Aug. 2024

The alterations also removed the putti, or cherubs, tugging at the goddesses’ robes and satyrs peeking in on the scene from the trees. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin satyrus, from Greek satyros

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing satyr

• satyr play

Kids Definition

satyr

noun

sa·​tyr ˈsāt-ər 

ˈsat-

1

often capitalized : a forest god believed by the ancient Greeks to have the ears and tail of a horse or goat and to enjoy rowdy pleasures

2

: a man having strong sexual desire