lotus-eater

[ loh-tuhs-ee-ter ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a member of a people whom Odysseus found existing in a state of languorous forgetfulness induced by their eating of the fruit of the legendary lotus; one of the lotophagi.
2. a person who leads a life of dreamy, indolent ease, indifferent to the busy world; daydreamer.

lotus-eater

noun

1. Greek myth one of a people encountered by Odysseus in North Africa who lived in indolent forgetfulness, drugged by the fruit of the legendary lotus

Word History and Origins

Origin of lotus-eater¹

First recorded in 1660–80; singular of lotus-eaters, translation of Latin Lōtophagī, from Greek Lōtophágoi, noun use of masculine plural adjective lōtophágos “lotus-eating.” See lotus, -phagous

Example Sentences

He was still lost in the dreams of the lotus-eater when he heard something that resembled the rattling of his own noisy car.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus we mark the inner transition: the active principle of that which was a passive Lotus-eater is the Cyclops, a Polyphemus.

From Project Gutenberg

The Lotus-eater gave up family and country; "chewing the lotus, he forgot the return."

From Project Gutenberg

"It is exhausting, but with my usual energy I do it all the same," said Ernest, who is as a fact the world's champion lotus-eater.

From Project Gutenberg

She was dreaming already with her eyes open, and she sank into number six in a lotus-eater's reverie.

From Project Gutenberg