succubus

noun

suc·​cu·​bus ˈsə-kyə-bəs How to pronounce succubus (audio)
plural succubi ˈsə-kyə-ˌbī How to pronounce succubus (audio) -ˌbē How to pronounce succubus (audio)
Synonyms of succubusnext
: a demon assuming female form to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep compare incubus

Examples of succubus 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.
There are many cons to dating a succubus. — Erin La Rosa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 There are returning characters, like the elf and succubus couple who are now planning their wedding or the actual alien who is trying to fit in on Earth. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 20 Apr. 2023 Whores in the Attic gives us Gordon peeping up at three towering Asian succubi who regard her with disdain. — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025 The Warrens attempted to vanquish the succubus with prayer, crosses and holy water, and even had a police officer with them for protection. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for succubus

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin succuba paramour, from succubare to lie under, from sub- + cubare to lie, recline

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of succubus was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

succubous
succubus
succulence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

succubus

noun
suc·​cu·​bus ˈsək-yə-bəs How to pronounce succubus (audio)
plural succubi -ˌbī How to pronounce succubus (audio) -ˌbē How to pronounce succubus (audio)
: an imaginary demon assuming female form and formerly held to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep compare incubus sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on succubus

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for succubus

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