euhemerism

noun

eu·​he·​mer·​ism yü-ˈhē-mə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce euhemerism (audio)
-ˈhe-mə-
: interpretation of myths as traditional accounts of historical persons and events
euhemerist
yü-ˈhē-mə-rist How to pronounce euhemerism (audio)
-ˈhe-mə-
noun
euhemeristic
yü-ˌhē-mə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce euhemerism (audio)
-ˌhe-mə-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Euhemerus, 4th century b.c. Greek mythographer

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of euhemerism was in 1788

Rhymes for euhemerism

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Browse Nearby Words

euhedral
euhemerism
euhemerist
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on euhemerism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about euhemerism

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