noun
cyclops
SEYE-klops
Cyclops (noun) means a giant with a single eye in the middle of its forehead, from Greek and Roman mythology. Example: “In the myth, Odysseus blinds the cyclops Polyphemus to escape his cave.”
noun
1
A giant with a single eye in the middle of its forehead, from Greek and Roman mythology.
"In the myth, Odysseus blinds the cyclops Polyphemus to escape his cave."
2
Any one-eyed creature or person, used more loosely.
"The comic-book hero goes by the name Cyclops because of his single glowing visor."
How to use cyclops
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA one-eyed giant from Greek myth, or, more generally, anything with just one eye.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cyclopes, cyclopses
Fill the gap
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In the myth, Odysseus blinds the _____ Polyphemus to escape his cave.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Kuklops, meaning literally "round-eyed," referring to the single round eye of the mythological giants.
Frequently asked questions
What does “cyclops” mean?
The word “cyclops” means a giant with a single eye in the middle of its forehead, from Greek and Roman mythology. In plain terms, a one-eyed giant from Greek myth, or, more generally, anything with just one eye.
How do you pronounce “cyclops”?
“Cyclops” is pronounced SEYE-klops (/ˈsaɪˌklɑps/ in IPA).
How do you use “cyclops” in a sentence?
Here is “cyclops” used in a sentence: “In the myth, Odysseus blinds the cyclops Polyphemus to escape his cave.”
What part of speech is “cyclops”?
“Cyclops” is a noun.
Where does the word “cyclops” come from?
The word “cyclops” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek Kuklops, meaning literally "round-eyed," referring to the single round eye of the mythological giants.
How many meanings does “cyclops” have?
“Cyclops” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a giant with a single eye in the middle of its forehead, from Greek and Roman mythology.
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