Patroclus

noun

Pa·​tro·​clus pə-ˈtrō-kləs How to pronounce Patroclus (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce Patroclus (audio)
: a Greek hero and friend of Achilles slain by Hector at Troy

Examples of Patroclus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Song of Achilles follows Patroclus and his bond with Achilles long before the Trojan War is in the picture. Meredith Carey, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2021 While Achilles sulks in his tent, his beloved comrade, Patroclus, who shares his bed, bravely joins the battle in Achilles’ armor. Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023 The legend of Achilles retold through the lens of his friend Patroclus. 10 BEACH READ (Berkley, $16). Becky Meloan, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2023 There’s Brad Pitt starring in Troy as the Greek hero Achilles (who, in the Iliad, has been interpreted to have gone on a vengeful rampage after the death of his gay lover, Patroclus). Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 3 July 2023 Achilles, the son of a sea goddess and King Peleus, meets Patroclus, a prince who is quite his opposite. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 29 June 2023 The legend of Achilles retold through the lens of his friend Patroclus. Becky Meloan, Washington Post, 14 June 2023 The tale of Patroclus and Achilles ends in tragedy, but Miller's keen attention to detail and lyrical prose makes the inevitable heartbreak a feeling worth savoring. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Jan. 2023 Luck figures in because the team did not initially realize Lucy would have a chance to inspect the L5 binary pair, Patroclus and Menoetius, when the trajectory was being designed. William Harwood, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Patroclus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Patroklos

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Patroclus was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near Patroclus

Cite this Entry

“Patroclus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Patroclus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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