Polyphemus
noun
Poly·phe·mus
ˌpä-lə-ˈfē-məs 
: a Cyclops whom Odysseus blinds in order to escape from his cave
Examples of Polyphemus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Odysseus’ journey is harsh and filled with challenges, including encounters with gods, the Cyclops Polyphemus (a one-eyed giant), the Sirens (creatures with the bodies of birds and the heads of women who lured sailors to their doom), and the witch-goddess Circe.
—
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 17 July 2025
The original story has Odysseus encountering a succession of mythical beings such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, the enchantress Circe, and travels to the Underworld.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
The pic based on Homer’s epic follows Odysseus in his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, showcasing his encounters with Polyphemus, the Sirens, Circe, and finishing with his reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 May 2025
In his rage, Polyphemus removed the boulder, allowing Odysseus and his crew to escape.
—Antonis Kocheilas, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Singing the role of Galatea is soprano Nola Richardson, with tenor James Reese at her side as Acis and bass-baritone Douglas Ray Williams as the brutish Polyphemus.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
An epic poem from Homer, the original literary classic explored themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
The literary classic explores themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
The tale includes iconic stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
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.
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 17 July 2025
The original story has Odysseus encountering a succession of mythical beings such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, the enchantress Circe, and travels to the Underworld.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
The pic based on Homer’s epic follows Odysseus in his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, showcasing his encounters with Polyphemus, the Sirens, Circe, and finishing with his reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 May 2025
In his rage, Polyphemus removed the boulder, allowing Odysseus and his crew to escape.
—Antonis Kocheilas, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Singing the role of Galatea is soprano Nola Richardson, with tenor James Reese at her side as Acis and bass-baritone Douglas Ray Williams as the brutish Polyphemus.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
An epic poem from Homer, the original literary classic explored themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
The literary classic explores themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
The tale includes iconic stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polyphemus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polyphemus. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share