Theotokos

noun

Theo·​to·​kos ˌthē-ə-ˈtō-(ˌ)kōs How to pronounce Theotokos (audio)
ˌthā-,
-kəs How to pronounce Theotokos (audio)

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Greek theotókos, originally as adjective, "giving birth to God, being the mother of God," from Greek theo- theo- + -tokos "giving birth (to or in the manner specified)," adjective derivative of tókos "childbirth, act of giving birth (to animals), offspring" — more at dystocia

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Theotokos was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near Theotokos

Cite this Entry

“Theotokos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Theotokos. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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