Charon

American  

[kair-uhn, kar-] / ˈkɛər ən, ˈkær- /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the ferryman who conveyed the souls of the dead across the Styx.

2. (usually used ironically) any ferryman.

3. Astronomy. the natural satellite of Pluto, discovered in 1978.

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Charon ¹ British  

/ ˈkɛərən /

noun

1. the only known satellite of Pluto, discovered in 1978

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Charon ² British  

/ ˈkɛərən /

noun

1. Greek myth the ferryman who brought the dead across the rivers Styx or Acheron to Hades

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Charon Scientific  

/ kâr′ən /

1. The largest of Pluto's three moons. Charon is just over half Pluto's size and orbits it so closely that it was not discovered as a distinct body until 1978. Although Pluto is covered with methane ice, Charon appears to be covered with water ice.

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Charon Cultural  

1. In classical mythology, the boatman who carried the souls of the dead across the river Styx and into Hades, the underworld.

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Other Word Forms

• Charonian adjective
• Charonic adjective

Example Sentences

"There are people who have even had to quit their jobs because they can't afford transportation," said Ignacio Charon, a 48-year-old tire repair shop employee.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

Kentridge likens the captain to the ferryman, Charon, in Greek mythology transporting the dead across the river Styx to the underworld.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2025

However, a recent study in Nature Geoscience suggests a different origin story for Charon.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2025

Eris and Makemake are comparable in size to Pluto and its moon Charon.

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2024

“Straightforward and honest. No screaming. No ‘There must be a mistake, Mr. Charon.’

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan