Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

Hades

noun
Save Word
Ha·​des | \ ˈhā-(ˌ)dēz How to pronounce Hades (audio) \

Definition of Hades

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!").

First Known Use of Hades

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 3

History and Etymology for Hades

Greek Aidēs, Āidēs, Haidēs

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Hades

Statistics for Hades

Cite this Entry

“Hades.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hades. Accessed 17 May. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for Hades

Hades

noun
How to pronounce Hades (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of Hades

: the home of the dead in Greek mythology
informal —used as a more polite way of saying "hell"

See the full definition for Hades in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on Hades

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for Hades

Comments on Hades

What made you want to look up Hades? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

divers

Listen to the pronunciation of divers

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

  • image1676440788
  • Choose the best definition or synonym for the word in bold: "There are some eructations that sound like cheers—at least, mine did." Lolita
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games