hecatomb

noun

hec·a·tomb | \ ˈhe-kə-ˌtōm

How to pronounce hecatomb (audio)

\

Definition of hecatomb

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

2 : the sacrifice or slaughter of many victims

Examples of hecatomb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The vast majority of this hecatomb would be people with limited life expectancies. — John P.a. Ioannidis, STAT, "A fiasco in the making? As the coronavirus pandemic takes hold, we are making decisions without reliable data," 17 Mar. 2020 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hecatomb

Dictionary Entries near hecatomb

Statistics for hecatomb

Cite this Entry

“Hecatomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hecatomb. Accessed 19 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

chlamys

Listen to the pronunciation of chlamys

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ