Oedipus

1 of 2

noun

Oe·​di·​pus ˈe-də-pəs 

ˈē-

: the son of Laius and Jocasta who in fulfillment of an oracle unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother

Oedipus

2 of 2

adjective

: oedipal

Examples of Oedipus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Manville’s hypnotic performance as Jocasta — a perfect complement to Mark Strong’s urbane, cocksure Oedipus — built to a harrowing monologue about her character’s past that doubled the tragedy. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman scored nine nominations, while Oedipus took home seven. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 May 2026

This year’s revival potentials include Robert Ickes’ modern-dress adaptation of Oedipus. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

Some scholars claim that the Sphinx was the first philosopher and Oedipus the second. — Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026

The brutal momentum of Oedipus crashes into the soul-searching of Colonus, allowing for the catharsis of Antigone. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, from Greek Oidipous

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1910, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Oedipus

• Oedipus complex

Medical Definition

Oedipus

1 of 2 adjective

: oedipal

Oedipus

2 of 2 noun

: oedipus complex