labyrinthine

adjective

lab·​y·​rin·​thine ˌla-bə-ˈrin(t)-thən  -ˈrin-ˌthīn  -ˌthēn 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth : intricate, involved

2

: of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the internal ear

labyrinthine lesions

Synonyms of labyrinthine

• intricate
• complicated
• complicate
• complex
• sophisticated

Examples of labyrinthine in a Sentence

labyrinthine politics that left us totally befuddled

Recent Examples on the Web

Amid a devastating drought, Colorado’s labyrinthine water management rules have yielded a silver lining for rafters, kayakers and visitors seeking the thrill of whitewater. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 July 2026

From Barcelona’s labyrinthine streets in the Gothic Quarter to the arched walkways leading to Plaza Mayor in Madrid, there is so much culture to take in. — Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026

Inside the labyrinthine monasteries, Irene finds not just a missing dad but the absurd rulebook of patriarchy itself. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

Yvonne will also help guests riding the metro figure out how to navigate the labyrinthine Elements mall (connected to the hotel). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for labyrinthine

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• chlorobenzene

Medical Definition

labyrinthine

adjective

lab·​y·​rin·​thine -ˈrin(t)-thən; -ˈrin-ˌthīn  -ˌthēn 

: of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the inner ear

human labyrinthine lesions