Hades

noun

Ha·​des ˈhā-(ˌ)dēz 

1

: the Greek god of the underworld

2

: the underground abode of the dead in Greek mythology

3

: sheol

4

often not capitalized : hell sense 1a

Did you know?

In Greek mythology, Hades is both the land of the dead and the god who rules there. Hades the god (who the Greeks also called Pluto) is the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, who rule the skies and the seas. The realm called Hades, where he rules with his wife Persephone, is the region under the earth, full of mineral wealth and fertility and home to dead souls. Hades today is sometimes used as a polite term for Hell ("It's hotter than Hades in here!").

Examples of Hades in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s popular roguelike Hades, which first became popular on PC and Nintendo Switch before being released on iPhone and iPad exclusively through Netflix. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 24 June 2025

The strongest scenes belong to those featuring the dashingly droll antagonist Hades. —David Benedict, Variety, 24 June 2025

In the Greek succession myth, the Titans overthrew their father, Uranus, and Zeus in turn overthrew the Titans, confining them to the bronze-walled prison of Tartarus, that black and stormy pit that lies lower even than the depths of Hades. —Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

Five years later, Hades's influence is everywhere, including the upcoming Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, a rougelite with a vibrant, anime-like art style. —Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek Aidēs, Āidēs, Haidēs

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for Hades

• ladies

Kids Definition

hades

noun

ha·​des

ˈhād-(ˌ)ēz

: hell sense 1

Etymology

Greek Haidēs, god of the underworld, abode of the dead in Greek mythology