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

There is bullying In the past, Chloe and Red interact with younger versions of iconic Disney villains such as Hades (Anthony Pyatt) and Maleficent (Marissa Kruep) at Merlin Academy. —Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024

Toto worked with local producers like Hades in his early days, then began collaborating with the new generation of producers such as Draganov, Nouvo and Yo Asel. —Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 27 June 2024

Blood of Zeus continues to impress with smart twists on classic stories (its take on the relationship between Persephone and Hades being a particular highlight) and fantastic animation. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 22 June 2024

Eventually, the cyclical nature of performing tasks, going to bed, and then performing tasks again felt like a fulfilling gameplay loop on par with Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Hades (minus the incredible combat). —PCMAG, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek Aidēs, Āidēs, Haidēs

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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