Definition of abyss
1a : an immeasurably deep gulf or great space gazed down into the gaping abyss the ocean's abysses (figurative) a widening abyss between the rich and the poorb : intellectual or moral depths an abyss of moral depravity an abyss of despair
2 : the bottomless gulf, pit, or chaos of the old cosmogonies
Explore M-W
Examples of abyss in a Sentence
looking down at the dark ocean from the ship's rail, the cruise passenger felt as though he was staring into an abyss
Origin and Etymology of abyss
borrowed from Late Latin abyssus, borrowed from Greek ábyssos “bottomless, unfathomable, (as noun) bottomless gulf,” from a- 2a- + byssós “depth of the sea,” probably going back to *byth-yos, derivative of bythós “depth, deepest part, bottom,” probably of pre-Greek substratal origin
First Known Use: 14th century
ABYSS Defined for Kids
abyss
playDefinition of abyss for Students
: a gulf so deep or space so great that it cannot be measured
Learn More about abyss
-
See words that rhyme with abyss Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for abyss Spanish Central: Translation of abyss Nglish: Translation of abyss for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of abyss for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up abyss? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!