name
Popeye
POP-eye
Popeye (name) means a classic cartoon sailor known for his bulging forearms, squinting eye, and love of spinach. Example: “Kids grew up watching Popeye battle Bluto for Olive Oyl's attention.”
name
1
A classic cartoon sailor known for his bulging forearms, squinting eye, and love of spinach.
"Lenny gave him the Popeye squint as he rolled off to Frank, the other bodyguard on duty, who was standing on the other side of the stage behind the Epps camp."
— Anthony Bruno, Bad Luck (1991)
"Kids grew up watching Popeye battle Bluto for Olive Oyl's attention."
"They seem equipped to drag the building between them right down Pennsylvania Avenue, but their progress is arrested by two heroes of Popeye musculature, government men putting a check rein on willful industry."
— Television Magazine (1967)
"Choosing and prepping yeast Working the dough: You don't need Popeye arms."
— Danna Korn, Connie Sarros (2011)
noun
1
Informal medical term for abnormally bulging eyes.
"The condition caused a noticeable popeye appearance."
How to use Popeye
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe cartoon sailor character, or informally, bulging eyes.
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Word forms
- Plural
- popeyes
Fill the gap
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Kids grew up watching _____ battle Bluto for Olive Oyl's attention.
Etymology
Coined in 1929 by cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar, from pop + eye.
Rhymes for Popeye
See all rhymes for Popeye →Frequently asked questions
What does “Popeye” mean?
The word “Popeye” means a classic cartoon sailor known for his bulging forearms, squinting eye, and love of spinach. In plain terms, the cartoon sailor character, or informally, bulging eyes.
How do you pronounce “Popeye”?
“Popeye” is pronounced POP-eye (/ˈpɒpˌaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Popeye” in a sentence?
Here is “Popeye” used in a sentence: “Kids grew up watching Popeye battle Bluto for Olive Oyl's attention.”
What part of speech is “Popeye”?
Depending on how it is used, “Popeye” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Popeye” come from?
The word “Popeye” dates back to around 1929. Coined in 1929 by cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar, from pop + eye.
How many meanings does “Popeye” have?
“Popeye” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a classic cartoon sailor known for his bulging forearms, squinting eye, and love of spinach.
