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.
In the bedroom, a photograph by Wolfgang Tillmans hangs opposite a Roman torso of Dionysus. — Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026 Thus, the more Pentheus attempts to contain Dionysus, disguised as a foreign holy man, the more vehement and destructive the god becomes. — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2026 The student-run Yale Summer Cabaret opens its summer season dance/theater adaptation by TImothy Hartel of Euripides’ ever-popular tragedy about the god Dionysus descending to Earth and causing all kinds of trouble. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026 The most famous villa here, the House of Dionysos, features an extensive collection of mosaics that depict myths associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and festivity. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Dionysus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Dionysus

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