noun
Uncommon
Nike
NEYE-kee
Nike (noun) means In Greek mythology, the goddess who personified victory. Example: “Statues of Nike often show her with wings, as a symbol of triumph.”
noun
1
In Greek mythology, the goddess who personified victory.
"Statues of Nike often show her with wings, as a symbol of triumph."
2
A brand of athletic shoes and sports gear, or an item made by that brand.
"He showed up to the game in a new pair of Nikes."
How to use Nike
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the Greek goddess of victory or the well-known sportswear brand named after her.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Nikes
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Statues of _____ often show her with wings, as a symbol of triumph.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Nike, meaning "victory" — the same root the sportswear brand borrowed for its name.
Rhymes for Nike
See all rhymes for Nike →Frequently asked questions
What does “Nike” mean?
The word “Nike” means in Greek mythology, the goddess who personified victory. In plain terms, either the Greek goddess of victory or the well-known sportswear brand named after her.
How do you pronounce “Nike”?
“Nike” is pronounced NEYE-kee (/ˈnaɪkiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “Nike” in a sentence?
Here is “Nike” used in a sentence: “Statues of Nike often show her with wings, as a symbol of triumph.”
What part of speech is “Nike”?
“Nike” is a noun.
Where does the word “Nike” come from?
The word “Nike” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek Nike, meaning "victory" — the same root the sportswear brand borrowed for its name.
Is “Nike” a common word?
“Nike” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Nike” have?
“Nike” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Greek mythology, the goddess who personified victory.
Who was Nike in Greek mythology?
In Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess who personified victory. She was commonly depicted as a winged figure, representing swift triumph in war and competition.
Is the Nike brand named after the goddess?
The athletic brand Nike shares its name with the Greek goddess who personified victory. The association with triumph and winning suits a company that makes sports shoes and gear.
What is the difference between Nike and Athena?
Nike was the goddess who personified victory itself, while Athena was the broader goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. In some traditions Nike is closely associated with Athena, but they are distinct figures.
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