Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Tarpeian

adjective
Tar·​pe·​ian | \ (ˈ)tär¦pē(y)ən\

Definition of Tarpeian

: of, relating to, or being a cliff or rock of the Capitoline Hill in Rome used in ancient times for hurling condemned criminals to their deaths

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Tarpeian

Latin tarpeius (from Tarpeius, cliff or rock on the Capitoline hill, probably from Tarpeia, legendary Roman maiden) + English -an

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Tarpeian

Statistics for Tarpeian

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Tarpeian

What made you want to look up Tarpeian? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

supersede

Listen to the pronounciation of supersede

to take the place or position of

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a closeup of a sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games