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succubus

noun
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suc·​cu·​bus | \ ˈsə-kyə-bəs How to pronounce succubus (audio) \
plural succubi\ ˈsə-​kyə-​ˌbī How to pronounce succubi (audio) , -​ˌbē \

Definition of succubus

: a demon assuming female form to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep — compare incubus

Examples of succubus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s often nods back to the prototype, the succubus that is Faye Dunaway’s Diana Christensen in groundbreaking 1976 satire Network. — Katie Hasty, EW.com, "Clint Eastwood only hurt himself with Richard Jewell’s worst cliché," 17 Dec. 2019 Jennifer has become a succubus who must consume human flesh to feed the demon within, thanks to a Satanic ritual gone wrong. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Horror film Jennifer’s Body bombed 10 years ago; now it’s a cult classic," 21 Sep. 2019 Eve Silvera, secretly a succubus demon and murderer, smushed thanks to my actions. — David Canfield, EW.com, "Ready for more Slayer? Get a first look at Kiersten White's next Buffy-based novel," 17 July 2019 Night-blooming cereus does the opposite, springing into flower only under cover of darkness, as bewitching as a succubus. — Kathryn O’shea-evans, WSJ, "5 Unnervingly Spooky Houseplants for Halloween," 25 Oct. 2017 Next level: Be the first person to belly dance with a succubus for 10 seconds or more. — OrlandoSentinel.com, "The Halloween Horror Nights scavenger hunt," 22 Sep. 2017

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

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First Known Use of succubus

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for succubus

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin succuba paramour, from succubare to lie under, from sub- + cubare to lie, recline

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The first known use of succubus was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Succubus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/succubus. Accessed 29 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for succubus

succubus

noun
suc·​cu·​bus | \ ˈsək-yə-bəs How to pronounce succubus (audio) \
plural succubi\ -​ˌbī How to pronounce succubi (audio) , -​ˌbē How to pronounce succubi (audio) \

Medical Definition of succubus

: an imaginary demon assuming female form and formerly held to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep — compare incubus sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on succubus

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for succubus

Britannica English: Translation of succubus for Arabic Speakers

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