orgy

[ awr-jee ]

noun

, plural or·gies.

1. wild or drunken festivity or revelry, especially involving sex with multiple participants.
2. any actions or proceedings marked by unbridled indulgence of passions:

   an orgy of killing.

3. orgies, (in ancient Greece) esoteric religious rituals, especially in the worship of Demeter or Dionysus, characterized in later times by wild dancing, singing, and drinking.
4. Informal. a boisterous, rowdy party.

orgy

/ ˈɔːdʒɪ /

noun

1. a wild gathering marked by promiscuous sexual activity, excessive drinking, etc
2. an act of immoderate or frenzied indulgence
3. often plural secret religious rites of Dionysus, Bacchus, etc, marked by drinking, dancing, and songs

Derived Forms

• ˌorgiˈastic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orgy¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French orgie, from Latin orgia (neuter plural) “secret rites,” from Greek órgia, akin to érgon “work”; work

Word History and Origins

Origin of orgy¹

C16: from French orgies, from Latin orgia, from Greek: nocturnal festival

Related Words

• binge
• rampage
• spree