sphinx
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.”
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.
Word forms
sphinxed past tense, sphinxes plural, sphinges plural, sphinxes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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