Ismene

American  

[is-mee-nee, -mey-, iz-] / ɪsˈmi ni, -ˈmeɪ-, ɪz- /

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. a daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta who did not join Antigone in her forbidden burial of their brother Polynices.

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Example Sentences

When Ismene complains, “Wouldn’t it have been ok to just let things be . . . quiet for a while? Not to make drama,” Antigone snaps, “Isn’t making drama, like, our inheritance?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Antigone and her sister Ismene, as their brothers’ only surviving female relatives, are by tradition entrusted with conducting the rites of mourning.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2024

Ariana Burks as Oedipus’ less decisive daughter Ismene fleshes out this sorrowful family tale.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2023

Schilling, star of “Orange Is the New Black” who will read the part of Ismene, Antigone’s sister, says each time she’s done one of the company’s readings, the experience is very intimate.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2022

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