labyrinthine

Also lab·y·rin·thi·an

[lab-uh-rin-thin, -theen]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth.

2. complicated; tortuous.

   the labyrinthine byways of modern literature.

labyrinthine

/ ˌlæbəˈrɪnθaɪn, ˌlæbəˈrɪnθɪk, ˌlæbəˈrɪnθɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to a labyrinth

2. resembling a labyrinth in complexity

Other Word Forms

• labyrinthically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of labyrinthine¹

First recorded in 1740–50; labyrinth + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Perhaps more frustrating for consumers was what the FTC labeled the “labyrinthine” procedure to cancel Prime memberships.

From Los Angeles Times

Itamar Moses, no stranger to unlikely dramatic subjects, compressed the epic saga into a compact yet labyrinthine book.

From Los Angeles Times

A roving, sumptuous narrative entrenched in the labyrinthine relationships of a small southern Italian town, “My Brilliant Friend” follows Lila and Elena, schoolgirls growing up in postwar Naples.

From Los Angeles Times

“And people are always shocked to see what it looks like for children to navigate a labyrinthine legal system by themselves.”

From Los Angeles Times

The con artist in Ritter’s novel is a young woman with a murky past and visions of absconded riches who is ensnared in an elaborate swindle that recalls David Mamet at his most labyrinthine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convoluted 
• intricate 
• meandering 
• serpentine 
• tangled 
• tortuous 
• twisting 
• winding