First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
sphinx
noun \ˈsfiŋ(k)s\
in ancient Greek and Egyptian stories : a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a person; also : something (such as a statue) in the shape of a sphinx
plural sphinx·es or sphin·ges \ˈsfin-ˌjēz\
Full Definition of SPHINX
1
a capitalized : a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle b : an enigmatic or mysterious person <she is a sphinx whose features hold a blank fascination>
2
: an ancient Egyptian image in the form of a recumbent lion having a man's head, a ram's head, or a hawk's head
— sphinx·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Origin of SPHINX
Latin, from Greek Sphinx, Sphix
SPHINXLIKE Defined for Kids
sphinx
noun \ˈsfiŋks\
Definition of SPHINX for Kids
: a mythical figure of ancient Egypt having the body of a lion and the head of a man, a ram, or a hawk
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