dithyrambic

[ dith-uh-ram-bik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a dithyramb, or an impassioned oration.
2. wildly irregular in form.
3. wildly enthusiastic.

Other Words From

• dithy·rambi·cal·ly adverb
• undith·y·rambic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dithyrambic¹

1595–1605; < Latin dithyrambicus < Greek dithyrambikós. See dithyramb, -ic

Example Sentences

"Let me celebrate, above all, the little red wine," says Ambrose in a brief dithyrambic note.

From Project Gutenberg

Popular satisfaction manifested itself in enthusiastic fetes and dithyrambic felicitations.

From Project Gutenberg

The National Assembly soon tired of Chaumette's dithyrambic utterances.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, the pages of the Autobiography ring with the dithyrambic praise of his "almost infallible counsellor."

From Project Gutenberg

Now and then a dithyrambic rapture came over him, especially when there was wine in his blood.

From Project Gutenberg