# cyclops

/ˈsaɪˌkɫɔps/ (US) · /sˈaɪkləps/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cyclops
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a giant from ancient Greek stories who has only one large eye in the middle of their forehead.

For teachers: a member of a race of giants in Greek mythology, typically depicted with a single circular eye centered in the forehead.

## Examples

- The hero had to escape from the cave of the hungry cyclops.
- In the epic poem, the protagonist uses his wits to blind the cyclops and flee with his men.
- The myth of the cyclops may have originated from ancient discoveries of elephant skulls, where the central nasal cavity was mistaken for a single giant eye socket.

## Usage notes

- The plural form is typically 'cyclopes' in classical contexts, though 'cyclopses' is common in modern English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.