Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

gordian

noun
gor·di·an | \ ˈgȯ(r)dēən \
plural -s

Definition of gordian 

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 usually capitalized, archaic : gordian knot

2 [ New Latin Gordius genus of roundworms + English -an ] : a member of the Gordioidea

gordian

adjective
\ " \

Definition of gordian (Entry 2 of 2)

1 sometimes capitalized : intricate, complicated

2 [ New Latin Gordi us + English -an ] : of or relating to the Gordioidea

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 gordian

Noun

Gordius of Phrygia + English -an (noun suffix)

Adjective

Gordius of Phrygia + English -an (adjective suffix)

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about gordian

Dictionary Entries near gordian

gorcock

gorcrow

gordiaceous

gordian

Gordian knot

gordiid

Gordiidae

Statistics for gordian

Look-up Popularity

Comments on gordian

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

secrete

to deposit or conceal in a hiding place

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

  • alt-573b465788319
  • Name these cookies!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

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

TAKE THE QUIZ

TRENDING NOW

  1. Spartan Red Cross Warns of Shelter Conditions

  2. hirsute RIP Burt Reynolds

  3. op-ed NYT Publishes Anonymous Piece

  4. collegiality Kavanaugh Mentions Word in Hearing

  5. mistrial Manafort Guilty on 8 Counts

SEE ALL

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