Zeus

American  

[zoos] / zus /

noun

1. the supreme deity of the ancient Greeks, a son of Cronus and Rhea, brother of Demeter, Hades, Hera, Hestia, and Poseidon, and father of a number of gods, demigods, and mortals; the god of the heavens, identified by the Romans with Jupiter.

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Zeus British  

/ zjuːs /

noun

1. Roman counterpart: Jupiter.  the supreme god of the ancient Greeks, who became ruler of gods and men after he dethroned his father Cronus and defeated the Titans. He was the husband of his sister Hera and father by her and others of many gods, demigods, and mortals. He wielded thunderbolts and ruled the heavens, while his brothers Poseidon and Hades ruled the sea and underworld respectively

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Zeus Cultural  

1. The chief of the Greek and Roman gods, who defeated the Titans to assume leadership of the universe. He lived atop Mount Olympus, from which he hurled thunderbolts to announce his anger. Despite his awesome power, he had a weakness for mortal women. (See Leda and the swan.)

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Compare meaning

How does zeus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Jupiter vs. Zeus
• Zeus vs. Cronus
• Ares vs. Zeus

Example Sentences

The flame ceremony was flanked by sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the patron god of the ancient Olympics.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

The inquest heard a dog-handler was called to the scene and used a sedation dart to remove Zeus from the garden.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

Zeus, who imagines Prometheus is somehow still his friend — “my only friend” — looks to him for company and comfort.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2024

Indeed, had Hugh Grant, who was originally cast as Zeus, not had to drop out, this would have been a much different and, no offense to Grant, less lively series.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2024

She was angry because Zeus loved Aegina, the maiden for whom the island was named, and whose son, Aeacus, became its king.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton