Pyrrhus

noun

Pyr·​rhus ˈpir-əs How to pronounce Pyrrhus (audio)
: a son of Achilles and slayer of Priam at the taking of Troy

Examples of Pyrrhus 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.
Last year, the Amon Carter bought Pyrrhus when a child, brought by Glaucias, king of Illyria, for protection, painted by Benjamin West in 1767. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 1 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Pyrrhos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near Pyrrhus

pyrrhuloxia

Pyrrhus

pyrro-

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Cite this Entry

“Pyrrhus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pyrrhus. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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Biographical Definition

Pyrrhus

biographical name

Pyr·​rhus ˈpir-əs How to pronounce Pyrrhus (audio)
319–272 b.c. king of Epirus (306–302; 297–272 b.c.)

More from Merriam-Webster on Pyrrhus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Pyrrhus

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