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

The film tells the story of Rawlston moving from Tobago to the United States and promoting Calypso and Soca music.

From Washington Post

“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