sphinx

noun

ˈsfiŋ(k)s 

plural sphinxes or sphinges ˈsfin-ˌjēz 

1

a

capitalized : a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle

b

: an enigmatic or mysterious person

she is a sphinx whose features hold a blank fascination

2

: an ancient Egyptian image in the form of a recumbent lion having a man's head, a ram's head, or a hawk's head

sphinxlike

ˈsfiŋ(k)s-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of sphinx in a Sentence

a statue of the Sphinx

Recent Examples on the Web

Perched on the outskirts of Cairo, the Giza site contains six pyramids in total: three towering ones, including the Great Pyramid, and three smaller ones—plus an enormous statue of a sphinx, for good measure. —Rebecca James, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2017

Eight sphinxes and eight Hathoric columns will be carved with images that are meaningful to Halsey, including personal heroes, family, friends, community activists and organizers. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024

Bing settled into the sphinx, ears pricked up, tail tucked under his rear. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024

The question sounds like the set-up to a bad joke or a riddle from a sphinx. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Sphinx, Sphix

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sphinx

• sphinx moth

Kids Definition

sphinx

noun

ˈsfiŋ(k)s 

plural sphinxes or sphinges ˈsfin-ˌjēz 

: an ancient Egyptian image having the body of a lion and the head of a man, ram, or hawk