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 of labyrinthine

• intricate
• complicated
• complicate
• complex
• sophisticated

Examples of labyrinthine in a Sentence

labyrinthine politics that left us totally befuddled

Recent Examples on the Web

Naoussa’s labyrinthine alleyways can often be a boisterous affair well into the night, so while Avant Mar gets you close to the action, there’s enough distance to get a good night’s sleep. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

The singular Montreal collective, led by composer John Winston Phillips, returns after 17 years, committed as ever to its unique brand of labyrinthine, cathartic art-pop. — Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026

Amid a devastating drought, Colorado’s labyrinthine water management rules have yielded a silver lining for rafters, kayakers and visitors seeking the thrill of whitewater. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 July 2026

From Barcelona’s labyrinthine streets in the Gothic Quarter to the arched walkways leading to Plaza Mayor in Madrid, there is so much culture to take in. — Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for labyrinthine

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• 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