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Beowulf

BAY-uh-wuulf

Beowulf (name) means an epic Old English poem, composed roughly between 975 and 1025 AD, about a hero who battles the monster Grendel. Example: “Students often read Beowulf in translation as their first taste of Old English literature.”

name
1
An epic Old English poem, composed roughly between 975 and 1025 AD, about a hero who battles the monster Grendel.
"Students often read Beowulf in translation as their first taste of Old English literature."
2
The legendary warrior hero of that poem.
"Beowulf famously tears off Grendel's arm in single combat."

Word forms

Beowulfs plural

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Students often read _____ in translation as their first taste of Old English literature.

Etymology

From Old English Bēowulf, likely combining bee and wulf ("wolf") — possibly a poetic way of saying "bear," i.e., "bee-hunter."

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “Beowulf” mean?

The word “Beowulf” means an epic Old English poem, composed roughly between 975 and 1025 AD, about a hero who battles the monster Grendel.

How do you pronounce “Beowulf”?

“Beowulf” is pronounced BAY-uh-wuulf (/ˈbeɪ.əˌwʊlf/ in IPA).

How do you use “Beowulf” in a sentence?

Here is “Beowulf” used in a sentence: “Students often read Beowulf in translation as their first taste of Old English literature.”

What part of speech is “Beowulf”?

“Beowulf” is a name.

Where does the word “Beowulf” come from?

The word “Beowulf” comes from Old English. From Old English Bēowulf, likely combining bee and wulf ("wolf") — possibly a poetic way of saying "bear," i.e., "bee-hunter.".

How many meanings does “Beowulf” have?

“Beowulf” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an epic Old English poem, composed roughly between 975 and 1025 AD, about a hero who battles the monster Grendel.

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