obol

noun

\ ˈä-bəl

How to pronounce obol (audio)

How to pronounce obol (audio)

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Definition of obol

: an ancient Greek coin or weight equal to ¹/₆ drachma

Examples of obol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Charon’s obol is a term for a coin, typically placed in the mouth of a dead person before burial. — Fox News, 30 June 2020 The coins are called obols of the dead or Charon’s obol. — Fox News, 30 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for obol

borrowed from Latin obolus, borrowed from Greek obolós, obelós — more at obelus

Note: The word is attested once in Old English, but there is no continuity between this occurrence and later learned use in Modern English.

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Cite this Entry

“Obol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obol. Accessed 4 Dec. 2021.

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