noun
Polonius
Polonius (noun) means a meddling person who gives long-winded, ultimately poor advice. Example: “The new manager was a real polonius, forever interrupting meetings with pointless platitudes.”
noun
1
A meddling person who gives long-winded, ultimately poor advice.
"The new manager was a real polonius, forever interrupting meetings with pointless platitudes."
How to use Polonius
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA windy busybody who thinks he's wise but mostly just gets in the way.
When to use it
Literary and rare outside discussions of Shakespeare or very formal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Poloniuses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new manager was a real _____, forever interrupting meetings with pointless platitudes.
Etymology
From Polonius, the long-winded, interfering courtier in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
Rhymes for Polonius
See all rhymes for Polonius →Frequently asked questions
What does “Polonius” mean?
The word “Polonius” means a meddling person who gives long-winded, ultimately poor advice. In plain terms, a windy busybody who thinks he's wise but mostly just gets in the way.
How do you use “Polonius” in a sentence?
Here is “Polonius” used in a sentence: “The new manager was a real polonius, forever interrupting meetings with pointless platitudes.”
What part of speech is “Polonius”?
“Polonius” is a noun.
What is the meaning of Polonius?
"Polonius" (noun) means a meddling person who gives long-winded, ultimately poor advice.
