Hesperides

plural noun

Hes·​per·​i·​des he-ˈsper-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce Hesperides (audio)
1
: a legendary garden at the western extremity of the world producing golden apples
2
: the nymphs in classical mythology who guard with the aid of a dragon a garden in which golden apples grow

Examples of Hesperides in a Sentence

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In Greek myth, the Hesperides were maidens who guarded golden apples that, once eaten, promised everlasting life. Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hesperides was in 1546

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Cite this Entry

“Hesperides.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hesperides. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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