Penelope

American  

[puh-nel-uh-pee] / pəˈnɛl ə pi /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the wife of Odysseus, who remained faithful to him during his long absence at Troy.

2. a faithful wife.

3. a female given name: from a Greek word meaning “weaver.”

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Penelope British  

/ pəˈnɛləpɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth the wife of Odysseus, who remained true to him during his long absence despite the importunities of many suitors

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Penelope Cultural  

1. The wife of Odysseus in classical mythology. Penelope remained true to her husband for the ten years he spent fighting in the Trojan War (see also Trojan War) and for the ten years it took him to return from Troy, even though she was harassed by men who wanted to marry her. She promised to choose a suitor after she had finished weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, but every night she unraveled what she had woven during the day. After three years, her trick was discovered, but she still managed to put her suitors off until Odysseus returned and killed them.

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Discover More

Penelope is an image of fidelity and devotion.

Example Sentences

In the 1990s, the celebrated English garden designer and writer, Penelope Hobhouse, built a garden at Bettiscombe in the Marshwood Vale on the grounds of a former coach house.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“It’s an inspirational song that gives hope to the supporters of our beloved leader,” said Chama Penelope, a Lungu supporter in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

And while Cecil was lovesick, Penelope was apparently sick of love.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2025

In a 2015 panel, international law expert Penelope Ridings agreed that New Zealanders’ continued opposition to nuclear testing stems from the incident.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

“We believe Mr. Drysdale’s dreams were leading him to his hidden treasure. I’ll bet it is buried right there, where Penelope is standing.”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan