Scylla

noun

Scyl·​la ˈsi-lə 

: a nymph changed into a monster in Greek mythology who terrorizes mariners in the Strait of Messina

see also:

between Scylla and Charybdis

Did you know?

The Strait of Messina is the narrow passage between the island of Sicily and the "toe" of Italy's "boot". In Greek mythology, two monsters hovered on either side of the strait. Scylla, a female monster with six snake-like heads, each with pointed teeth, barked like a dog from the rocks on the Italian side. Charybdis, on the Sicilian side, caused a whirlpool by swallowing the waters of the sea three times a day. When Odysseus attempted to sail between them, he encountered disaster on both sides. Being caught between Scylla and Charybdis is a lot like being between a rock and a hard place.

Examples of Scylla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The statues of Polyphemus, Scylla and Charybdis, and other figures from The Odyssey discovered in Tiberius’s villa attest to the area’s millennia-long ties to myths and legends. — Laura Itzkowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026

Odysseus survives by following Circe's advice to sail past Scylla, despite knowing the monster will claim six of his men. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

Then there are the Sirens and the sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Does anyone remember that Scylla and Charybdis are not monsters but goddesses? — Literary Hub, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Skyllē

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Scylla

• between Scylla and Charybdis

Rhymes for Scylla

• milla
• psylla
• scilla
• zillah
• axilla
• flotilla
• gorilla
• guerilla
• guerrilla
• manilla
• mantilla
• maxilla