noun

dryad

DRY-ad

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Dryad (noun) means In Greek mythology, a female spirit believed to inhabit a tree, often called a wood nymph. Example: “In the story, a dryad steps out from the oak to warn the travellers.”

noun

In Greek mythology, a female spirit believed to inhabit a tree, often called a wood nymph.

"In the story, a dryad steps out from the oak to warn the travellers."

"The old myth tells of a dryad who dies if her tree is cut down."

"Painters often showed dryads peering out from among the branches."

How to use dryad

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mythical spirit that lives in and is tied to a tree, mostly from old Greek stories.

When to use it

Dryad belongs to mythology and fantasy writing rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Link dryad to 'tree' by remembering its root comes from the Greek word for oak.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a dryad's tree wood nymph or dryad dryad in mythology

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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”.

Test yourself on “dryad” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In the story, a _____ steps out from the oak to warn the travellers.

Etymology

Dryad passed into English through Old French driade, from Latin Dryas, which came from Ancient Greek drus, meaning oak. The Greek root ultimately traces to an old word for tree or wood.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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wood nymph tree nymph

Rhymes for dryad

dyad

See all rhymes for dryad →

Frequently asked questions

What is a dryad?

A dryad is a female nature spirit from Greek mythology who is bound to a particular tree, sometimes called a wood nymph or tree nymph.

Where does the word dryad come from?

It comes from the Ancient Greek word for oak, by way of Latin and Old French, reflecting the tree spirit's close bond with trees.

Is a dryad the same as a nymph?

A dryad is one specific type of nymph, tied to trees, within the broader group of nature spirits called nymphs in Greek mythology.

What is the meaning of dryad?

"dryad" (noun) means in Greek mythology, a female spirit believed to inhabit a tree, often called a wood nymph.