Labyrinth Definition

lăbə-rĭnth
labyrinths
noun
labyrinths
A structure consisting of an intricate network of winding passages bordered as by walls or hedges; specif., such a structure designed for prayer and meditation: technically, a labyrinth (unlike a maze) contains no dead ends and consists of a single path leading to a center.
Webster's New World
A complicated, perplexing arrangement, course of affairs, etc.
Webster's New World
The maze in which the Minotaur was confined.
American Heritage
Something highly intricate or convoluted in character, composition, or construction.
A labyrinth of rules and regulations.
American Heritage
The inner ear.
Webster's New World
verb

To enclose in a labyrinth, or as though in a labyrinth.

Wiktionary
To arrange in the form of a labyrinth.
Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Labyrinth

Noun

Singular:
labyrinth
Plural:
labyrinths

Origin of Labyrinth

  • Middle English laberinthe from Latin labyrinthus from Greek laburinthos possibly akin to labrus double-headed ax (used as a ritual weapon and a sign of authority in Minoan civilization, so that Greek laburinthos may originally have designated a Minoan palace as “the house of the double-headed ax”) of Lydian origin

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin labyrinthus, from Ancient Greek λαβύρινθος (labúrinthos, “maze”), possibly from an Anatolian language (compare Lydian lábrus 'double-edged axe' and -inthos, a suffix typical of Anatolian placenames), although the actual etymology of labyrinth is still a matter of conjecture.

    From Wiktionary

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to labyrinth using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words Ending With

Unscrambles

labyrinth