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

The shift among women from angular, contoured sphinx to a softer, cleaner (albeit highly buffed and polished) look has also been reflected in men. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025

How to do sphinx pose: Ready to experience sphinx for yourself? —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 20 Mar. 2025

And in Fassbender and Blanchett, director Soderbergh benefits from a choice pair of sphinxes. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025

Fini shaped the cultural scene with her paintings of powerful women, sphinxes, cat women, and obscure men, creating an oniric, surreal world. —Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for sphinx

• binks
• blinks
• chinks
• drinks
• hinks
• inks
• jinks
• jinx
• kinks
• links
• lynx
• minks

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