hecatomb

noun hec·a·tomb \ ˈhe-kə-ˌtōm \

Definition of hecatomb

1 : an ancient Greek and Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen or cattle

2 : the sacrifice or slaughter of many victims

Recent Examples of hecatomb from the Web

After the hecatombs created in communism’s name, such a call to arms is evidence of a faith untroubled when prophecy fails again and again.

— andrew stuttaford, WSJ, "The Road to Red October," 29 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hecatomb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hecatomb

Latin hecatombe, from Greek hekatombē, from hekaton hundred + -bē; akin to Greek bous cow — more at hundred, cow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1592

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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