Bacchus

American  

[bak-uhs] / ˈbæk əs /

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. the god of wine; Dionysus.

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Bacchus British  

/ ˈbækəs /

noun

1. (in ancient Greece and Rome) a god of wine and giver of ecstasy, identified with Dionysus

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Bacchus Cultural  

1. The Greek and Roman god of wine and revelry. He is also known by the Greek name Dionysus.

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In painting, Bacchus is often depicted eating a bunch of grapes and surrounded by satyrs.

A “bacchanalian” party or feast is marked by unrestrained drunkenness. The name recalls a Roman festival called Bacchanalia.

Etymology

Origin of Bacchus

< Latin < Greek Bákkhos

Example Sentences

These are two Europeans: Miriam, a deeply feeling, moody, beautiful Jewish-British painter with a mysterious past; and Donatello, an Italian Bacchus who closely resembles the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles’ “Faun.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Almut also decides, in secret, to participate in the prestigious Bacchus D’Or cooking competition, but does not tell Tobias, a decision that is sure to backfire on her.

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2024

The Bacchus stands on plinth on a street corner near the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and is a modern replica of the 16th Century work by sculptor Giambologna.

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2024

The Zagat guide once said of Sherry-Lehmann, “If Bacchus owned a wine store, this would be it.”

From New York Times • May 25, 2023

“Yes,” Bacchus said, “although with demigod parties of five or more the gratuity is included, so that wasn’t necessary.”

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan