Polyphemus

noun

Poly·​phe·​mus ˌpä-lə-ˈfē-məs How to pronounce Polyphemus (audio)
: a Cyclops whom Odysseus blinds in order to escape from his cave

Examples of Polyphemus 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.
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

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

Dictionary Entries Near Polyphemus

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on Polyphemus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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