noun
eunuch
YOO-nuhk
Eunuch (noun) means a man who has been castrated, historically often so he could serve as a guard or official in a royal household. Example: “Eunuchs held powerful positions in the courts of several ancient empires.”
noun
1
A man who has been castrated, historically often so he could serve as a guard or official in a royal household.
"Eunuchs held powerful positions in the courts of several ancient empires."
2
Figuratively, someone or something seen as powerless or ineffective.
"Without real authority, the committee was little more than a political eunuch."
How to use eunuch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA castrated man, historically employed in royal or noble households; also used figuratively for something powerless.
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Word forms
- Plural
- eunuchs
- Third person singular
- eunuchs
- Past tense
- eunuched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ held powerful positions in the courts of several ancient empires.
Etymology
From Latin eunūchus, from Ancient Greek eunoûkhos, literally \"bed-keeper\" (from eunḗ, \"bed\" + ékhō, \"to have, keep\") — originally referring to a trusted attendant of the royal bedchamber.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “eunuch” mean?
The word “eunuch” means a man who has been castrated, historically often so he could serve as a guard or official in a royal household. In plain terms, a castrated man, historically employed in royal or noble households; also used figuratively for something powerless.
How do you pronounce “eunuch”?
“Eunuch” is pronounced YOO-nuhk (/ˈjuː.nək/ in IPA).
How do you use “eunuch” in a sentence?
Here is “eunuch” used in a sentence: “Eunuchs held powerful positions in the courts of several ancient empires.”
What is another word for “eunuch”?
Words with a similar meaning to “eunuch” include gelding.
What part of speech is “eunuch”?
“Eunuch” is a noun.
Where does the word “eunuch” come from?
The word “eunuch” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin eunūchus, from Ancient Greek eunoûkhos, literally \"bed-keeper\" (from eunḗ, \"bed\" + ékhō, \"to have, keep\") — originally referring to a trusted attendant of the royal bedchamber.
How many meanings does “eunuch” have?
“Eunuch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a man who has been castrated, historically often so he could serve as a guard or official in a royal household.
