labyrinthine

adjective

lab·​y·​rin·​thine ˌla-bə-ˈrin(t)-thən  -ˈrin-ˌthīn  -ˌthēn 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth : intricate, involved

2

: of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the internal ear

labyrinthine lesions

Synonyms

• intricate
• complicated
• complicate
• complex
• sophisticated

Examples of labyrinthine in a Sentence

labyrinthine politics that left us totally befuddled

Recent Examples on the Web

Arranged in a labyrinthine formation, the works with their play on color and transparency created a meandering runway that contrasted beautifully against the dark and hard surfaces of the warehouse venue. —Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

With the help of 14-year-old Jewish refugee Miriam, Steven embarks on a daring quest across the city’s labyrinthine streets. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025

Down labyrinthine tunnels of pages, of words, of self. —Leila Chatti september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025

These tactics could prove especially effective in the labyrinthine ruins of Gaza City, where Hamas is believed to still have a significant network and where Israeli forces have until now mostly avoided major incursions. —Leila Seurat, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for labyrinthine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene

Medical Definition

labyrinthine

adjective

lab·​y·​rin·​thine -ˈrin(t)-thən; -ˈrin-ˌthīn  -ˌthēn 

: of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the inner ear

human labyrinthine lesions