Cyclopean

American  

[sahy-kluh-pee-uhn, sahy-klop-ee-uhn] / ˌsaɪ kləˈpi ən, saɪˈklɒp i ən /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of the Cyclops.

2. (sometimes lowercase) gigantic; vast.

3. (usually lowercase) formed with or containing large, undressed stones fitted closely together without the use of mortar.

   a cyclopean wall.

---

Cyclopean British  

/ ˌsaɪkləʊˈpiːən, saɪˈkləʊpɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling the Cyclops

2. denoting, relating to, or having the kind of masonry used in preclassical Greek architecture, characterized by large dry undressed blocks of stone

---

Etymology

Origin of Cyclopean

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin Cyclōpē(us), from Greek Kyklṓpeios (equivalent to Kýklōp(s) + -eios adjective suffix) + -an; see Cyclops, -eous, -an

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Cyclopean

As the actor poses questions, smiling wryly, the camera appears to be paying Cyclopean attention to its hot-seat predicament.

From New York Times ● Oct. 7, 2021

Never mind the camera, with its rigid Cyclopean vision.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 13, 2017

Like the obsidian vaults of my drowned Cyclopean city, his positions are blurred and fuzzy.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2016

Some sort of gun-metal gray canister has been squashed and made useless, its flattened valve staring out like a Cyclopean eye.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2015

He stopped, squinting at me with Cyclopean irritation.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---