noun
sphinx
SFIHNGKS
Sphinx (noun) means a mythical creature with a human head and a lion's body, most famously the giant statue near Egypt's Great Pyramids. Example: “Tourists lined up for hours to photograph the Sphinx at Giza.”
noun
1
A mythical creature with a human head and a lion's body, most famously the giant statue near Egypt's Great Pyramids.
"Tourists lined up for hours to photograph the Sphinx at Giza."
"The riddle of the Sphinx is one of the most famous puzzles in Greek mythology."
2
Someone hard to read — a person who keeps their thoughts, feelings, or plans hidden.
"The CEO remained a sphinx throughout the negotiations, giving nothing away."
"Her sphinx-like expression made it impossible to guess what she was thinking."
How to use sphinx
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the famous lion-bodied statue in Egypt, or, more loosely, a person who gives nothing away.
Common pairings
the Sphinx of Giza
a sphinx-like smile
remain a sphinx
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Word forms
- Plural
- sphinxes, sphinges
- Third person singular
- sphinxes
- Past tense
- sphinxed
Fill the gap
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Tourists lined up for hours to photograph the _____ at Giza.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Sphinx, possibly linked to the verb "to squeeze" or "strangle" (the same root behind sphincter) — though some trace it instead to an Egyptian phrase meaning "living image."
Rhymes for sphinx
See all rhymes for sphinx →Frequently asked questions
What does “sphinx” mean?
The word “sphinx” means a mythical creature with a human head and a lion's body, most famously the giant statue near Egypt's Great Pyramids. In plain terms, either the famous lion-bodied statue in Egypt, or, more loosely, a person who gives nothing away.
How do you pronounce “sphinx”?
“Sphinx” is pronounced SFIHNGKS (/ˈsfɪŋks/ in IPA).
How do you use “sphinx” in a sentence?
Here is “sphinx” used in a sentence: “Tourists lined up for hours to photograph the Sphinx at Giza.”
What part of speech is “sphinx”?
“Sphinx” is a noun.
Where does the word “sphinx” come from?
The word “sphinx” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek Sphinx, possibly linked to the verb "to squeeze" or "strangle" (the same root behind sphincter) — though some trace it instead to an Egyptian phrase meaning "living image.".
How many meanings does “sphinx” have?
“Sphinx” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mythical creature with a human head and a lion's body, most famously the giant statue near Egypt's Great Pyramids.
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