noun
Uncommon
labyrinth
LAB-uh-rihnth
Labyrinth (noun) means a complicated network of winding paths or passages that is hard to find your way through; a maze. Example: “The old palace had a labyrinth of hallways that confused every visitor.”
noun
1
A complicated network of winding paths or passages that is hard to find your way through; a maze.
"The old palace had a labyrinth of hallways that confused every visitor."
2
Something highly complex or confusing in structure, especially rules, bureaucracy, or arguments.
"Getting the visa approved meant navigating a labyrinth of paperwork."
3
The maze-like inner ear structure responsible for hearing and balance.
"Damage to the labyrinth can cause dizziness and hearing loss."
How to use labyrinth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA maze, or by extension, anything so complicated that finding your way through it feels like being lost in one.
Common pairings
labyrinth of streets
labyrinth of rules
lost in a labyrinth
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Word forms
- Plural
- labyrinths
- Third person singular
- labyrinths
- Past tense
- labyrinthed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old palace had a _____ of hallways that confused every visitor.
Etymology
From Latin labyrinthus, from Ancient Greek labúrinthos, referring to the mythical maze built by Daedalus to hold the Minotaur.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “labyrinth” mean?
The word “labyrinth” means a complicated network of winding paths or passages that is hard to find your way through; a maze. In plain terms, a maze, or by extension, anything so complicated that finding your way through it feels like being lost in one.
How do you pronounce “labyrinth”?
“Labyrinth” is pronounced LAB-uh-rihnth (/ˈlæb.ə.ɹɪnθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “labyrinth” in a sentence?
Here is “labyrinth” used in a sentence: “The old palace had a labyrinth of hallways that confused every visitor.”
What part of speech is “labyrinth”?
“Labyrinth” is a noun.
Where does the word “labyrinth” come from?
The word “labyrinth” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin labyrinthus, from Ancient Greek labúrinthos, referring to the mythical maze built by Daedalus to hold the Minotaur.
Is “labyrinth” a common word?
“Labyrinth” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “labyrinth” have?
“Labyrinth” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a complicated network of winding paths or passages that is hard to find your way through; a maze.
