Xanthippe

noun

Xan·thip·pe zan-ˈthi-pē

-ˈti-

variants or Xantippe

zan-ˈti-pē

: an ill-tempered woman

Word History

Etymology

Greek Xanthippē, shrewish wife of Socrates

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Xanthippe was in 1691

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Browse Nearby Words

xanthine

Xanthippe

xanthism

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Xanthippe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Xanthippe. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Biographical Definition

Xanthippe

biographical name

Xan·thip·pe zan-ˈthi-pē

-ˈti-

5th century b.c. wife of Socrates

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Xanthippe

noun

Word History

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Biographical Definition

biographical name

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