Ismene

American  

[is-mee-nee, -mey-, iz-] / ɪsˈmi ni, -ˈmeɪ-, ɪz- /

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. a daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta who did not join Antigone in her forbidden burial of their brother Polynices.

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Example Sentences

When Ismene complains, “Wouldn’t it have been ok to just let things be . . . quiet for a while? Not to make drama,” Antigone snaps, “Isn’t making drama, like, our inheritance?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Ismene is understandably frightened and begs Antigone to suffer in silence.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2024

Ariana Burks as Oedipus’ less decisive daughter Ismene fleshes out this sorrowful family tale.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2023

Schilling, star of “Orange Is the New Black” who will read the part of Ismene, Antigone’s sister, says each time she’s done one of the company’s readings, the experience is very intimate.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2022

Antigone and Ismene heard with horror what Creon had decided.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton