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.”

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noun

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishA one-eyed giant from Greek myth, or, more generally, anything with just one eye.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

cyclops plural, cyclopes plural, cyclopses plural

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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.

Origin: Ancient Greek

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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