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

Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz is there, so too Dame Sarah Mullally - the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

Penelope Nam-Stephen, a longtime customer, approached the Diptyque counter in search of a home fragrance that she had typically bought at Saks.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

“It’s an inspirational song that gives hope to the supporters of our beloved leader,” said Chama Penelope, a Lungu supporter in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

The palace was said to have provided shelter to Telemachus, son of Odysseus and Penelope and a player in epic tales of the Trojan War’s aftermath.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

Penelope used one of her own pocket handkerchiefs to wipe the thick layer of dust from the atlas.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood