Hecuba

noun

Hec·​u·​ba ˈhe-kyə-bə How to pronounce Hecuba (audio)
: the wife of Priam in Homer's Iliad

Examples of Hecuba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not only is the sacrifice of the Troy king Priam’s daughter Polyxena graphically detailed, wrinkles are even visible around her mother Hecuba’s eyes. John Oseid, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Or perhaps the Monk, Hecuba, the Rani, someone related to the Doctor or River Song, or a completely new character? Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 June 2024 Women have transformed into beasts throughout mythological history (like Hecuba, who was turned into a dog as both a respite and a curse, or the Irish tale of Uirne, part of the Fenian Cycle), but that wasn’t always a matter of choice. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2024 Other characters include Cassandra, the daughter of Priam and Hecuba, king and queen of Troy. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Hekabē

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hecuba was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Hecuba

Cite this Entry

“Hecuba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hecuba. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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