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Zenobia

American  
[zuh-noh-bee-uh] / zəˈnoʊ bi ə /

noun

  1. Septimia Bathzabbai, died after a.d. 272, queen of Palmyra in Syria a.d. 267–272.

  2. a female given name.


Zenobia British  
/ zɪˈnəʊbɪə /

noun

  1. 3rd century ad , queen of Palmyra (?267–272), who was captured by the Roman emperor Aurelian

"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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Démesuré” is the debut solo exhibition of sculptor Zenobia Lee, an extension of which will be presented by the gallery in a booth of works at Frieze Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

The significance of the great Syrian heroine Queen Zenobia, who once ruled Palmyra in the Roman era, seems to have been downplayed.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2025

By taking advantage of a tumultuous political situation, Queen Zenobia expanded her empire, and Palmyra flourished as a nexus of trade in the region.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

“That smacks of racism to me,” said Zenobia Thompson, 78, who trained at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in the 1960s before eventually becoming its head nurse.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2022

Taking advantage of the temporary ascendance of Persia over the Roman arms, the desert Queen, Zenobia, fulfilled her ambition as sole Queen of the East.

From By Desert Ways to Baghdad by Jebb, Louisa