Patroclus

noun

Pa·​tro·​clus pə-ˈtrō-kləs How to pronounce Patroclus (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce Patroclus (audio)
: a Greek hero and friend of Achilles slain by Hector at Troy

Examples of Patroclus 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.
The king has come for the body of his son, Hector, killed by Achilles in revenge for the killing of Achilles’s bestie, Patroclus. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024 While Achilles sulks in his tent, his beloved comrade, Patroclus, who shares his bed, bravely joins the battle in Achilles’ armor. — Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023 The legend of Achilles retold through the lens of his friend Patroclus. 10 BEACH READ (Berkley, $16). — Becky Meloan, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2023 There’s Brad Pitt starring in Troy as the Greek hero Achilles (who, in the Iliad, has been interpreted to have gone on a vengeful rampage after the death of his gay lover, Patroclus). — Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 3 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for Patroclus

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Patroklos

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Patroclus was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

patrocinate
Patroclus
patrol
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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