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

Netflix said 100 million households watched the series - although those in Spain and Latin America heard narration from Penelope Cruz or Salma Hayek instead of Sir David.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

In the 1990s, the celebrated English garden designer and writer, Penelope Hobhouse, built a garden at Bettiscombe in the Marshwood Vale on the grounds of a former coach house.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 1, 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

Then again, Penelope had always excelled at the game.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood