Calypso

[ kuh-lip-soh ]

noun

, plural Ca·lyp·sos.

1. Also Kalypso. Classical Mythology. a sea nymph who detained Odysseus on the island of Ogygia for seven years.
2. (lowercase) Also called fair·y-slip·per [fair, -ee-slip-er]. a terrestrial orchid, Calypso bulbosa, of the Northern Hemisphere, having a single variegated purple, yellow, and white flower.
3. (lowercase) a musical style of West Indian origin, influenced by jazz, usually having topical, often improvised, lyrics.

verb (used without object)

1. (lowercase) to sing or dance to calypso.

Calypso

¹

/ kəˈlɪpsəʊ /

noun

1. Greek myth (in Homer's Odyssey ) a sea nymph who detained Odysseus on the island of Ogygia for seven years

calypso

²

/ kəˈlɪpsəʊ /

noun

1. a rare N temperate orchid, Calypso (or Cytherea ) bulbosa, whose flower is pink or white with purple and yellow markings

calypso

³

/ kəˈlɪpsəʊ /

noun

1. a popular type of satirical, usually topical, West Indian ballad, esp from Trinidad, usually extemporized to a percussive syncopated accompaniment
2. a dance done to the rhythm of this song

Other Words From

• ca·lyp·so·ni·an [k, uh, -lip-, soh, -nee-, uh, n, kal-ip-], noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Calypso¹

The name of the musical style is of obscure origin and perhaps only copies the spelling of Calypso the sea nymph

Word History and Origins

Origin of Calypso¹

C19: named after Calypso

Origin of Calypso²

C20: probably from Calypso

Example Sentences

“I learned that from wearing calypso dresses,” she said proudly.

From The Daily Beast

The Calypso is water-logged, will no longer obey her helm, and must surely sink.

From Project Gutenberg

The relation between my friend Calypso and his wife is the finest thing I ever saw; they are lovers on the highest plane.

From Project Gutenberg

“I understand that you are a highly intellectual people,” remarked Calypso, courteously.

From Project Gutenberg

A couple of men were fixing the trellises, and Calypso excused himself to his wife and me and went over to them.

From Project Gutenberg

It droops over the taffrail of a barque of some six hundred tons burden, and below it, on her stern, is lettered the Calypso.

From Project Gutenberg