1
: a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero
the Iliad and the Odyssey are epics
2
: a work of art (such as a novel or drama) that resembles or suggests an epic
3
: a series of events or body of legend or tradition thought to form the proper subject of an epic
the epic of the winning of the West
1
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic
epic poets
… The Divine Comedy, an epic poem of more than 14,000 lines whose original manuscript has never been found …—Richard McGill Murphy
This epic American story traces family lives over generations until they're rocked by another scandal that spills their secrets onto a public stage.—Carrie Rollwagon
2
: extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope
an epic achievement
epic struggles
… a packed lineup of lectures, demonstrations, re-enactments and other events will commemorate the anniversary of the epic 1836 Alamo siege and battle—13 days that made the site famous.—Scott Huddleston
That's how these simple questions end up fueling debates of epic proportion.—Madeline Buxton
An uptick in earnings among riskier U.S. companies is bolstering investor confidence that an epic rally in junk bonds can last a little longer.—Sam Goldfarb
broadly, informal
: extraordinary, impressive
In the meantime, start planning your epic pillow forts (and Sunday afternoon naps). —Caroline Picard
Everyone is in agreement: this photobomb is totally epic. —Caroline Alkire
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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