Laius

noun

La·​ius ˈlā-əs How to pronounce Laius (audio) ˈlī-əs How to pronounce Laius (audio)
: a king of Thebes slain by his son Oedipus in fulfillment of an oracle

Examples of Laius in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Oedipus eventually reaches his release date around the same time that Laius feels his grip slipping. — Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Laïos

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Laius was in 1573

Rhymes for Laius

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Browse Nearby Words

laity
Laius
Lajas
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Cite this Entry

“Laius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Laius. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Laius

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Laius

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