Polynices

noun

Poly·​ni·​ces ˌpä-lə-ˈnī-sēz How to pronounce Polynices (audio)
: a son of Oedipus for whom the Seven against Thebes mount their expedition

Examples of Polynices in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Their sister, Antigone, in defiance of the new king’s edict, attempts to bury Polynices, the brother on the vanquished side, who has been declared an enemy of the state. Teju Cole, New York Times, 12 Sep. 2023 Adam and Eve mourning the dead Cain could also be Oedipus and Antigone mourning the dead Eteocles and Polynices, two subjects also modeled by Canova. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 23 June 2023 Ismene asks Antigone to pardon her for refusing to help with the rebellious act of burying Polynices. Rachel Hadas, The Conversation, 8 July 2022 Her act defies King Creon’s recent edict that Polynices be left to rot, unburied. Rachel Hadas, The Conversation, 8 July 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Polyneikēs

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Polynices was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near Polynices

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!