Zeus

American  

[zoos] / zus /

noun

1. the supreme deity of the ancient Greeks, a son of Cronus and Rhea, brother of Demeter, Hades, Hera, Hestia, and Poseidon, and father of a number of gods, demigods, and mortals; the god of the heavens, identified by the Romans with Jupiter.

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Zeus British  

/ zjuːs /

noun

1. Roman counterpart: Jupiter.  the supreme god of the ancient Greeks, who became ruler of gods and men after he dethroned his father Cronus and defeated the Titans. He was the husband of his sister Hera and father by her and others of many gods, demigods, and mortals. He wielded thunderbolts and ruled the heavens, while his brothers Poseidon and Hades ruled the sea and underworld respectively

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Zeus Cultural  

1. The chief of the Greek and Roman gods, who defeated the Titans to assume leadership of the universe. He lived atop Mount Olympus, from which he hurled thunderbolts to announce his anger. Despite his awesome power, he had a weakness for mortal women. (See Leda and the swan.)

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Compare meaning

How does zeus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Jupiter vs. Zeus
• Zeus vs. Cronus
• Ares vs. Zeus

Example Sentences

By God, let’s go with indie provocateur Gregg Araki’s conception of him: Robert Redford, a titan who hatched an independent film festival from his head like he was Zeus and passed away this September.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

The flame ceremony was flanked by sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the patron god of the ancient Olympics.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

The force said that Police Dog Zeus, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, had received veterinary treatment and it was hoped he would make a "speedy recovery".

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

Two came from a Doberman named Zeus, a regular donor at the hospital.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2024

Of course everyone must give in to Zeus, but it was very unfair.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton