Hesperides

[ he-sper-i-deez ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology.
   1. (used with a plural verb) nymphs, variously given as three to seven in number, who guarded with the dragon Ladon the golden apples that were the wedding gift of Gaia to Hera.
   2. (used with a singular verb) the garden where the golden apples were grown.
   3. (used with a plural verb) Islands of the Blessed.
2. (italics) (used with a plural verb) a collection of poems (1648) by Robert Herrick.

Hesperides

/ hɛˈspɛrɪˌdiːz; ˌhɛspəˈrɪdɪən /

plural noun

1. the daughters of Hesperus, nymphs who kept watch with a dragon over the garden of the golden apples in the Islands of the Blessed
2. functioning as singular the gardens themselves
3. another name for the Islands of the Blessed

Derived Forms

• Hesperidian, adjective

Other Words From

• Hes·per·id·i·an [hes-p, uh, -, rid, -ee-, uh, n], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hesperides¹

First recorded in 1590–1610; Hesperus, -ides

Example Sentences

It was to bring back the Golden Apples of the Hesperides, and he did not know where they were to be found.

From Literature

The frigate captain was on board the Hesperides when he disappeared not far from the Juan Carlos I Spanish base on Livingston Island.

From BBC

“Yes, Pleione. She had five daughters. My sisters and I. The Hesperides.”

From Literature

Just a touch sweeter is Hesperides Grapefruit, the newest addition to their candle line.

From Forbes

Like the golden apples of the Hesperides, treasure is guarded by a dragon or serpent.

From Project Gutenberg