noun
Uncommon
odyssey
OD-ih-see
Odyssey (noun) means a long, eventful journey, especially one full of challenges. Example: “Their road trip across three continents became a two-year odyssey.”
noun
1
A long, eventful journey, especially one full of challenges.
"Their road trip across three continents became a two-year odyssey."
2
A prolonged search or personal journey, often intellectual or spiritual rather than physical.
"Her memoir traces her odyssey from addiction to recovery."
How to use odyssey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA long, difficult journey or quest — physical or personal.
Common pairings
an epic odyssey
a personal odyssey
go on an odyssey
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Word forms
- Plural
- odysseys
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Their road trip across three continents became a two-year _____.
Etymology
From the Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer describing the hero Odysseus's long voyage home from Troy.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for odyssey
See all rhymes for odyssey →Frequently asked questions
What does “odyssey” mean?
The word “odyssey” means a long, eventful journey, especially one full of challenges. In plain terms, a long, difficult journey or quest — physical or personal.
How do you pronounce “odyssey”?
“Odyssey” is pronounced OD-ih-see (/ˈɑ.dɪ.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “odyssey” in a sentence?
Here is “odyssey” used in a sentence: “Their road trip across three continents became a two-year odyssey.”
What part of speech is “odyssey”?
“Odyssey” is a noun.
Where does the word “odyssey” come from?
The word “odyssey” comes from Ancient Greek. From the Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer describing the hero Odysseus's long voyage home from Troy.
Is “odyssey” a common word?
“Odyssey” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “odyssey” have?
“Odyssey” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, eventful journey, especially one full of challenges.
What is the difference between an odyssey and a journey?
A journey simply refers to traveling from one place to another, while an odyssey specifically implies a long, eventful trip full of challenges and obstacles. Not every journey qualifies as an odyssey, but every odyssey is a kind of demanding, extended journey.
Can odyssey refer to something other than physical travel?
Yes, odyssey is often used to describe a prolonged search or personal journey that is intellectual or spiritual rather than physical, such as 'her odyssey of self-discovery.' This figurative use keeps the sense of a long, challenging process.
Why is odyssey associated with hardship?
Odyssey carries a strong connotation of difficulty and endurance, describing journeys marked by significant challenges rather than routine travel. This is why the word is reserved for especially demanding or eventful experiences rather than ordinary trips.
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