sphinx Definition
- 1a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion, often depicted with wings and a serpent-headed tail
- 2a person who keeps their thoughts, plans, or intentions secret and gives nothing away
Using sphinx: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sphinx" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a famous ancient Egyptian statue.
Example
She was a sphinx, never revealing her true feelings or intentions.
Example
The riddle posed by the Sphinx in Greek mythology was famously answered by Oedipus.
sphinx Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sphinx
sphinx-like smile
a mysterious or enigmatic smile that reveals nothing about the person's thoughts or feelings
Example
He gave her a sphinx-like smile, leaving her wondering what he was thinking.
a yoga pose that stretches the spine and opens the chest, named after the mythical creature
Example
She practiced the Sphinx pose every morning to relieve tension in her back.
a large moth with a long proboscis, named after the mythical creature due to its distinctive resting position
Example
The Sphinx moth is a common sight in gardens during the summer months.
Origins of sphinx
from Latin 'sphinx', from Greek 'sphingx'
Summary: sphinx in Brief
The term 'sphinx' [sfɪŋks] can refer to a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion, or to a person who keeps their thoughts and intentions secret. The Great Sphinx of Giza is a famous example of the former, while the latter is exemplified by 'She was a sphinx, never revealing her true feelings or intentions.' 'Sphinx' also appears in phrases like 'sphinx-like smile,' denoting a mysterious or enigmatic expression, and 'Sphinx pose,' a yoga position.
