name
Uncommon
Hercules
HURK-yuh-leez
Hercules (name) means In Roman mythology, a hero of enormous strength, known for completing twelve immense labours; the Roman version of the Greek hero Heracles. Example: “Hercules was famous for defeating the many-headed Hydra as one of his twelve labours.”
name
1
In Roman mythology, a hero of enormous strength, known for completing twelve immense labours; the Roman version of the Greek hero Heracles.
"Hercules was famous for defeating the many-headed Hydra as one of his twelve labours."
noun
1
A person of extraordinary strength.
"He lifted the fallen beam alone, like a modern-day Hercules."
How to use Hercules
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA legendary strongman of Roman mythology, or as a common noun, anyone extremely strong.
Common pairings
a modern Hercules
Herculean strength
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Word forms
- Plural
- Herculeses, Herculesses, Hercules's
Fill the gap
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_____ was famous for defeating the many-headed Hydra as one of his twelve labours.
Etymology
From Latin Herculēs, borrowed from Ancient Greek Hēraklês, a name connected to Hera and possibly meaning something like "glory through Hera."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Hercules
See all rhymes for Hercules →Frequently asked questions
What does “Hercules” mean?
The word “Hercules” means in Roman mythology, a hero of enormous strength, known for completing twelve immense labours; the Roman version of the Greek hero Heracles. In plain terms, a legendary strongman of Roman mythology, or as a common noun, anyone extremely strong.
How do you pronounce “Hercules”?
“Hercules” is pronounced HURK-yuh-leez (/ˈhɝːkjəliːz/ in IPA).
How do you use “Hercules” in a sentence?
Here is “Hercules” used in a sentence: “Hercules was famous for defeating the many-headed Hydra as one of his twelve labours.”
What part of speech is “Hercules”?
Depending on how it is used, “Hercules” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Hercules” come from?
The word “Hercules” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin Herculēs, borrowed from Ancient Greek Hēraklês, a name connected to Hera and possibly meaning something like "glory through Hera.".
Is “Hercules” a common word?
“Hercules” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Hercules” have?
“Hercules” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Roman mythology, a hero of enormous strength, known for completing twelve immense labours; the Roman version of the Greek hero Heracles.
What is the difference between Hercules and Heracles?
Hercules is the Roman name for the hero known as Heracles in Greek mythology; they refer to the same legendary figure of enormous strength known for completing twelve immense labours. The name used generally depends on whether the Roman or Greek mythological tradition is being referenced.
Why is someone called 'a Hercules'?
Calling someone 'a Hercules' means describing them as a person of extraordinary physical strength, drawing on the mythological hero's legendary power. It's a figurative comparison rather than a literal reference to the myth.
What are the twelve labours associated with Hercules?
Hercules is best known in mythology for completing twelve immense labours, a series of difficult and dangerous tasks that demonstrated his extraordinary strength and endurance. This feat is the central reason his name became synonymous with great physical power.
