Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
nymph
1.
(Class. Myth.)
A goddess of the mountains, forests, meadows, or waters.
Where were ye,
Closed o’er the head of your loved Lycidas?
nymphs
, when the remorseless deepClosed o’er the head of your loved Lycidas?
Milton.
2.
Hence:
A lovely young girl; a maiden; a damsel.
Nymph
, in thy orisonsBe all my sins remembered.
Shakespeare
3.
(Zool.)
The pupa of an insect; a chrysalis.
4.
(Zool.)
Any one of a subfamily (
Najades
) of butterflies including the purples, the fritillaries, the peacock butterfly, etc.; – called also naiad
. Webster 1828 Edition
Nymph
NYMPH
,Noun.
1.
In mythology, a goddess of the mountains, forests, meadows and waters. According to the ancients, all the world was full of nymphs, some terrestrial, others celestial; and these had names assigned to them according to their place of residence, or the parts of the world over which they were supposed to preside.2.
In poetry, a lady.NYMPH
,Noun.
Definition 2024
nymph
nymph
English
Nymph of a mantis.
Alternative forms
- nymphe (rare or archaic)
Noun
nymph (plural nymphs or nymphæ)
Hylas and the Nymphs by John William Waterhouse, 1896
- The larva of certain insects.
- (Greek & Roman mythology) Any minor female deity associated with water, forests, grotto, etc.
- A young girl, especially one who is thought to inspire lustful feelings.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
insect larva
mythology: minor water, forest or mountain deity
young girl who may inspire lust