Definition of Cadmean victory
: a victory obtained only at great or ruinous cost to the victor — compare pyrrhic victory
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of cadmean victory
translation of Greek Kadmeia nikē; from the mutual slaughter of all but five of the armed men who sprang from dragon's teeth sown by Cadmus
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Cadmean victory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
