Hercules

[ hur-kyuh-leez ]

noun

, genitive Her·cu·lis [hur, -ky, uh, -lis]

1. Also Her·a·cles []. Also called Al·ci·des [al-, sahy, -deez]. Classical Mythology. a celebrated hero, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, possessing exceptional strength: among his many adventures were the twelve labors for his cousin Eurystheus, performed in order to gain immortality. Compare labors of Hercules.
2. Astronomy. a northern constellation, between Lyra and Corona Borealis.

Hercules

¹

/ ˈhɜːkjʊˌliːz /

noun

1. Also calledAlcides classical myth a hero noted for his great strength, courage, and for the performance of twelve immense labours
2. a man of outstanding strength or size

Hercules

²

/ ˈhɜːkjʊˌliːz /

noun

1. a large constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Lyra and Corona Borealis
2. a conspicuous crater in the NW quadrant of the moon, about 70 kilometres in diameter

Hercules

/ hûr′kyə-lēz′ /

1. A constellation in the Northern Hemisphere near Lyra and Corona Borealis.

Hercules

1. One of the greatest heroes of classical mythology , he is supposed to have been the strongest man on earth. He was renowned for completing twelve seemingly impossible tasks — the Labors of Hercules. One of these labors was the cleaning of the Augean stables ; another was the killing of the nine-headed Hydra. Hercules was a son of Zeus .

Derived Forms

• ˌHercuˈlean, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hercules¹

From Latin Herculēs, Herclēs, Greek; Heracles

Example Sentences

A 30th anniversary production of “Beauty and the Beast” will kick off a North American tour next year, and a new staging of “Hercules” will debut in London in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

He began his 13th residency at the venue on July 24 and released his latest album “Tears of Hercules” in 2021.

From Los Angeles Times

Kevin Sorbo, an actor known for playing Hercules on the television series “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” tweeted four words: “Still voting for Trump.”

From Los Angeles Times

One gem is thought to be a rare, 2nd Century head of the Greek hero Hercules made from obsidian, a type of volcanic glass.

From BBC

The next day, a Coast Guard HC-130J Hercules plane from Air Station Barbers Point in Hawaii dropped a radio the men used to report they were thirsty but all right, Arnold said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• behemoth
• titan