Definition of Penelope
: the wife of Odysseus who waits faithfully for him during his 20 years' absence
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Did You Know?
In the Odyssey, Penelope waits 20 long years for her husband Odysseus to return from Troy. During that time, she must raise their son and fend off the attentions of numerous rough suitors. She preserves herself for a long time by saying she cannot remarry until she has finished weaving a funeral shroud for her aging father-in-law; however, what she weaves each day she secretly unravels each night. A Penelope thus appears to be the perfect, patient, faithful wife (and may be using her clever intelligence to keep herself that way).
Origin and Etymology of penelope
Latin, from Greek Pēnelopē
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 14th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearSeen and Heard
What made you want to look up Penelope? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
