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

Martinelli’s case, similar to the whispers that have emerged this week around Lewis-Skelly, is an example of moving parts within a labyrinthine beast of a transfer system. — Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Future owners could rearrange the labyrinthine layout to make rooms for additional bedrooms, says listing agent James Harris of Carolwood Estates. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

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

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