Nymph (Noun)
Meaning 1
(classical mythology) a minor nature goddess usually depicted as a beautiful maiden; "the ancient Greeks believed that nymphs inhabited forests and bodies of water".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- In classical mythology, the dryad was a type of nymph that presided over trees.
- The ancient Greeks believed that the Naiads, or water nymphs, inhabited freshwater springs and rivers.
- Wood nymphs were said to be the guardians of the forest and its creatures in many mythologies.
- Peregrine, the mortal, stumbled upon a nymph bathing in a secluded grotto deep in the woods.
- According to legend, the beautiful nymph, Echo, was cursed by the goddess Hera to only be able to repeat the last words spoken to her.
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
A voluptuously beautiful young woman.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The artist's model was a stunning nymph with curves that seemed to defy gravity and a smile that could light up a room.
- Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back like a golden waterfall, framing the face of a nymph who seemed to have stepped straight out of a Renaissance painting.
- The photographer couldn't take his eyes off the nymph who was posing for him, her full lips and sparkling eyes seeming to hypnotize him with every click of the shutter.
- As she walked into the room, all eyes turned to the nymph who was the epitome of feminine beauty, her confidence and poise commanding attention from everyone around her.
- With her flawless skin and luscious figure, the young actress was the perfect nymph to play the lead role in the movie, bringing a sense of sensuality and charm to the character.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
A larva of an insect with incomplete metamorphosis (as the dragonfly or mayfly).
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The nymph of the dragonfly moults several times as it grows and develops before emerging as a fully formed adult.
- Mayfly nymphs are often found in freshwater environments, where they feed on algae and small invertebrates.
- The nymph stage of the stonefly's life cycle can last several years, during which time it undergoes a series of molts.
- Insects with incomplete metamorphosis, such as grasshoppers and crickets, have a nymph stage that resembles the adult form but lacks fully developed wings.
- Damselfly nymphs are similar to dragonfly nymphs but are generally smaller and have a more slender body shape.