Polyphemus

noun

Poly·​phe·​mus ˌpä-lə-ˈfē-məs 

: a Cyclops whom Odysseus blinds in order to escape from his cave

Examples of Polyphemus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his rage, Polyphemus removed the boulder, allowing Odysseus and his crew to escape. —Antonis Kocheilas, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Singing the role of Galatea is soprano Nola Richardson, with tenor James Reese at her side as Acis and bass-baritone Douglas Ray Williams as the brutish Polyphemus. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025

An epic poem from Homer, the original literary classic explored themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025

The literary classic explores themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025

The tale includes iconic stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025

Character descriptions and roles are being kept hidden in the cave of Polyphemus. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025

Fans also persuaded Homer to make Polyphemus a one-eyed giant rather than completely sightless. —Joe Queenan, WSJ, 26 Aug. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Polyphēmos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above