1
: a mythical Greek hero renowned for his great strength and especially for performing 12 labors imposed on him by Hera
2
[Latin (genitive Herculis)] : a northern constellation between Corona Borealis and Lyra

Examples of Hercules in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Silva is a first-grade teacher in Hercules, and many of his students are Latino. — Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 21 June 2026 Learn one new asterism or constellation each session — such as the faint outline of constellations like Virgo, Ophiuchus, Hercules and Corona Borealis — and repeat the process during your next stargazing session. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 June 2026 Other notable aircraft include the RC-135 Cobra Ball, a reconnaissance plane more than 60 years old, and the C-130H Hercules, a large transport aircraft more than 30 years old. — Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Twenty percent of participants had higher concentrations of a second chemical used at the Hercules Brunswick Facility than the national average. — CBS News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Hercules

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Hēraklēs

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hercules was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hercules.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hercules. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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