Dionysus

noun

Di·​o·​ny·​sus ˌdī-ə-ˈnī-səs How to pronounce Dionysus (audio) -ˈnē- How to pronounce Dionysus (audio)
: bacchus

Examples of Dionysus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Archaeologists recently uncovered a Roman sarcophagus, which shows a drinking contest between Dionysus and Hercules. MORE IN LIFESTYLE APPLE A DAY – MacBooks, AirPods, Apple Watches and iPads are all discounted early in the lead up to Amazon Prime Day. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025 After the dig, the IAA’s conservation team restored, cleaned and reassembled the other fragments of the sarcophagus, revealing its central image: Dionysus, surrounded by his female followers, known as maenads, and half-man, half-goat satyrs. — Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025 In Keiley’s staging, Dionysus gives King Pentheus (Gordon S. Miller) the ability to experience female arousal. — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 In Greek mythology, Dionysus is the god who oversees vegetables and fruit, particularly the making of wine from grapes, and thus is also connected to ecstatic partying. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for Dionysus

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Dionysos

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dionysus was in 1812

Rhymes for Dionysus

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Browse Nearby Words

Dionysius of Halicarnassus
Dionysus
Dioön
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Cite this Entry

“Dionysus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dionysus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Dionysus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Dionysus

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