Eteocles

American

[ih-tee-uh-kleez] / ɪˈti əˌkliz /

noun

Classical Mythology.

a son of Oedipus and the brother of Polynices, by whom he was slain.

Eteocles British

/ ˈɛtɪə-, ɪˈtiːəˌkliːz /

noun

Greek myth a son of Oedipus and Jocasta. He expelled his brother Polynices from Thebes; they killed each other in single combat when Polynices returned as leader of the Seven against Thebes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of those brothers lies in state: Eteocles, the original claimant to the throne.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2024

David Thomas, a hip-hop dancer, plays Eteocles, Antigone’s other brother.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2014

In the fight between Polyneices, performed by flamenco dancer Salví Rosino, and Eteocles, the brothers charge at each other to the sound of an electric guitar.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2014

Eteocles defended the gate which Polyneices attacked, and Antigone and Ismene within the palace waited to hear which had killed the other.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

If Eteocles was the victor, the Argive Army would withdraw; if Eteocles was conquered, Polyneices should be king.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023