Midas

[ mahy-duhs ]

/ ˈmaɪ dəs /

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noun

Classical Mythology. a Phrygian king, son of Gordius, who was given by Dionysus the power of turning whatever he touched into gold.

a person of great wealth or great moneymaking ability.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby Midas

micturition, mid, midafternoon, midair, Midamerica, Midas, Midas touch, mid-Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Mid-Atlantic states, midband

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Midas in a sentence

While y’all are focused on “Ciara’s Prayer,” it’s Pinky and Derrick’s prayer—confidence, philanthropic heart, soul mate vibes and a Midas touch—for us.
Pinky Cole And Derrick Hayes Are Hot In The Kitchen On ESSENCE Jan/Feb Cover|cmurray|January 18, 2022|Essence.com
And if you scroll down the complete Midas List, some visible trends begin to emerge.
We Need to Talk About Silicon Valley's Racism|Samantha Allen|August 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And of the 96 men on the Midas List, the overwhelming majority appear to be white, including every single member of the Top 10.
We Need to Talk About Silicon Valley's Racism|Samantha Allen|August 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You end up at the ER in the first place when probably you needed a Midas.
‘Code Black’: An M.D. on How to Fix Our Emergency Room Crisis|Ryan McGarry|June 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

So then why end up here versus the primary care equivalent of a Midas for a simple checkup?
‘Code Black’: An M.D. on How to Fix Our Emergency Room Crisis|Ryan McGarry|June 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But lately critics have wondered whether Midas has lost his touch.
Will Smith’s ‘After Earth’ Is Terrible. Has He Lost His Mojo?|Kevin Fallon|May 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He drew designs for engravers, and etched a Judgment of Midas.
Art in England|Dutton Cook
But though every one knew the truth King Midas continued to wear his wig, and no one ever saw the real size of his ears.
Stories of Old Greece and Rome|Emilie Kip Baker
Midas, overjoyed at his good fortune, hastened back to his palace, and on the way he hesitatingly tried his new power.
Stories of Old Greece and Rome|Emilie Kip Baker
Midas did as he was instructed, and came away from the river a wiser and happier, though a poorer man.
Stories of Old Greece and Rome|Emilie Kip Baker
It was of course the shadow of the Midas statue, which the boys had never permitted to be restored to its pristine state.
Magnum Bonum|Charlotte M. Yonge

British Dictionary definitions for Midas (1 of 2)

Midas

/ (ˈmaɪdəs) /

noun

Greek legend a king of Phrygia given the power by Dionysus of turning everything he touched to gold

the Midas touch ability to make money

British Dictionary definitions for Midas (2 of 2)

MIDAS

/ (ˈmaɪdəs) /

n acronym for

Missile Defence Alarm System

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

Cultural definitions for Midas

Midas

In classical mythology, a king who was granted one wish by the god Dionysus. Greedy for riches, Midas wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. He soon regretted his request. When he tried to eat, his food became inedible metal. When he embraced his daughter, she turned into a golden statue. On the instruction of Dionysus, he washed in a river and lost his touch of gold.

notes for Midas

A person who is very successful or easily acquires riches is sometimes said to have a “Midas touch.”