noun pl. heroes -·roes

1. Myth., Legend a man of great strength and courage, favored by the gods and in part descended from them, often regarded as a half-god and worshiped after his death
2. any person, esp. a man, admired for courage, nobility, or exploits, esp. in war
3. any person, esp. a man, admired for qualities or achievements and regarded as an ideal or model
4. the central male character in a novel, play, poem, etc., with whom the reader or audience is supposed to sympathize
5. the central figure in any important event or period, honored for outstanding qualities
6. ☆ hero sandwich

Etymology: L heros < Gr hērōs < IE base *ser-, to watch over, protect > Av haraiti, (he) protects, Lith sárgas, watchman