Polyphemus

noun

Poly·​phe·​mus ˌpä-lə-ˈfē-məs How to pronounce Polyphemus (audio)
: a Cyclops whom Odysseus blinds in order to escape from his cave

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Polyphēmos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Polyphemus was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Polypheme
Polyphemus
polyphemus moth
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Cite this Entry

“Polyphemus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polyphemus. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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