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

A classic cartoon sailor known for his bulging forearms, squinting eye, and love of spinach.

"Kids grew up watching Popeye battle Bluto for Olive Oyl's attention."

noun

Informal medical term for abnormally bulging eyes.

"The condition caused a noticeable popeye appearance."

How to use Popeye

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe cartoon sailor character, or informally, bulging eyes.

Word forms

popeyes plural

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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.

· First attested 1929

Class of 1929 Popeye joined the language around 1929.

Glock

See the full Class of 1929 →

Rhymes for Popeye

ye fye dye eye aye lye bye nye tye Rye Faye Kaye

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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.