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

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

Beneath the Saharan sun, Ghadames shimmers like a mirage—its labyrinthine Old Town a maze of mudbrick homes, painted with delicate geometric motifs and cooled by ancient foggaras. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

The losses on the policies held by Joe Bald’s group wound through a labyrinthine chain of intermediaries before arriving at the storied insurer Lloyd’s of London. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025

The winding streets of Ilion are transformed into a labyrinthine maze with an armed man around every corner. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 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