name
Uncommon
Ithaca
IH-thuh-kuh
Ithaca (name) means a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, legendary home of Odysseus in Homer's epics. Example: “After ten years of wandering, Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca.”
name
1
A Greek island in the Ionian Sea, legendary home of Odysseus in Homer's epics.
"After ten years of wandering, Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca."
2
A city in New York State, home to Cornell University.
"Ithaca is also a vibrant college town — home to Cornell University and Ithaca College — with more cultural offerings than its size would suggest, thanks in large part to the people those institutions attract."
— Marnie Hunter, This upstate New York town is a showstopper for scenery (2025)
"Ithaca, New York, is known for its dramatic waterfalls and gorges."
How to use Ithaca
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBest known as Odysseus's homeland in Greek mythology; also the name of a university town in upstate New York.
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After ten years of wandering, Odysseus finally returns home to _____.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Ithákē, the name of the island in Homer's Odyssey.
Rhymes for Ithaca
See all rhymes for Ithaca →Frequently asked questions
What does “Ithaca” mean?
The word “Ithaca” means a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, legendary home of Odysseus in Homer's epics. In plain terms, best known as Odysseus's homeland in Greek mythology; also the name of a university town in upstate New York.
How do you pronounce “Ithaca”?
“Ithaca” is pronounced IH-thuh-kuh (/ˈɪθəkə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Ithaca” in a sentence?
Here is “Ithaca” used in a sentence: “After ten years of wandering, Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca.”
What part of speech is “Ithaca”?
“Ithaca” is a name.
Where does the word “Ithaca” come from?
The word “Ithaca” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek Ithákē, the name of the island in Homer's Odyssey.
Is “Ithaca” a common word?
“Ithaca” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Ithaca” have?
“Ithaca” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, legendary home of Odysseus in Homer's epics.
