Sphinx
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈsfɪŋks/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Sphinx is a noun meaning (mythology) A creature with the head of a person and the body of an animal, commonly a lion.
Meaning
(mythology) A creature with the head of a person and the body of an animal, commonly a lion.
More Meanings
- (figurative) A person who keeps their thoughts and intentions secret; an enigmatic or impassive person.
- A sphinx moth.
- (euphemistic, rare) A sphincter.
- (transitive) To decorate with sphinxes.
- (transitive, intransitive) To adopt the posture of the Sphinx.
- (transitive, intransitive) To be inscrutable, often through silence.
- (dated) A mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx), formerly classified as a baboon, and called sphinx baboon.
Example Sentences
a marble sphinxed chimney-piece
The sphinxèd riddle of the Universe, Nature's unsolved enigma, who may prove?
Constance said boastfully, ‘My sphinxes are strong and in good repair. I order you to come.’
Several animals maintained either a crouched … or a sphinxing posture (abdomen on the floor)
Word Forms
- sphinxes
- sphinges
- sphynx
- sphinxing
- sphinxed
Synonyms for sphinx
Depending on context, synonyms include enigma.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include moth, andro, moths, hieracosphinx, criosphinx, satyral.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.