Laertes

noun

La·​er·​tes lā-ˈər-tēz 

-ˈer-

1

: the father of Odysseus in Greek mythology

2

: the son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Examples of Laertes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, the families of the slain suitors assemble and vow revenge, clashing with Odysseus, Telemachus, Laertes and the loyal servants — only to have Athena intervene and abruptly put a stop to the fighting. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026

Solid performances from the supporting cast include Lucas Prizant as Hamlet’s loyal friend, Horatio, and Brenna DiStasio as Laertes, his opponent in the finale’s fateful duel. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Hamlet is the extreme case, but Ophelia, Gertrude, and even Laertes suffer from versions of this paralysis. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026

But his Hamlet needs a stalwart supporting cast with whom to spar, and Ahmed tangles beautifully with Shakespeare veteran Timothy Spall, who plays Laertes’ father and family adviser Polonius, and Morfydd Clark as a steely but vulnerable Ophelia. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Laertēs

First Known Use

circa 1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1