abyss

noun

ə-ˈbis How to pronounce abyss (audio)
a-,
 also  ˈa-(ˌ)bis
1
a
: an immeasurably deep gulf or great space
gazed down into the gaping abyss
the ocean's abysses
(figurative) a widening abyss between the rich and the poor
b
: intellectual or moral depths
an abyss of moral depravity
an abyss of despair
2
: the bottomless gulf, pit, or chaos of the old cosmogonies

Examples of abyss in a Sentence

looking down at the dark ocean from the ship's rail, the cruise passenger felt as though he was staring into an abyss
Recent Examples on the Web This sleek option that looks like an expensive name-brand version at a fraction of the price measures just 8 inches by 2 inches, which is just enough to hold your phone, keys, and cash — no digging deep into the vast abyss of a giant bag required. Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024 Abel Ferrara has made a career out of staring unflinchingly into the abyss, interrogating man’s weakness and depravity and daring his audiences to look away. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abyss 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abyss.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin abyssus, borrowed from Greek ábyssos "bottomless, unfathomable, (as noun) bottomless gulf," from a- a- entry 2 + byssós "depth of the sea," probably going back to *byth-yos, derivative of bythós "depth, deepest part, bottom," probably of pre-Greek substratal origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Dictionary Entries Near abyss

Cite this Entry

“Abyss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abyss. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

abyss

noun
: a gulf so deep or a space so great that it cannot be measured

More from Merriam-Webster on abyss

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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