Penelope

American  

[puh-nel-uh-pee] / pəˈnɛl ə pi /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the wife of Odysseus, who remained faithful to him during his long absence at Troy.

2. a faithful wife.

3. a female given name: from a Greek word meaning “weaver.”

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Penelope British  

/ pəˈnɛləpɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth the wife of Odysseus, who remained true to him during his long absence despite the importunities of many suitors

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Penelope Cultural  

1. The wife of Odysseus in classical mythology. Penelope remained true to her husband for the ten years he spent fighting in the Trojan War (see also Trojan War) and for the ten years it took him to return from Troy, even though she was harassed by men who wanted to marry her. She promised to choose a suitor after she had finished weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, but every night she unraveled what she had woven during the day. After three years, her trick was discovered, but she still managed to put her suitors off until Odysseus returned and killed them.

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Penelope is an image of fidelity and devotion.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Penelope

We can imagine that his wife, Penelope, would have asked him about that particular time.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

On Anne Hathaway’s Penelope, Wilson writes that the script “gives her nothing to do except yearn for Matt Damon, for reasons unknown.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

"The Odyssey", which follows Greek hero Odysseus on his long journey home after the Trojan War, stars Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway as Odysseus and Penelope, with Tom Holland portraying their son Telemachus.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

Dame Penelope Keith's funeral has been hailed as "wonderful, beautiful and absolutely amazing" by her friends.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

It had been a mistake to come in, and now Penelope simply wanted to get it over with.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood