Definition

Proper noun 1. A Greek lyric poet from the island of Lesbos: Sappho is the name of an ancient Greek poet who lived around the 6th century BC. She is renowned for her lyric poetry, which often expressed personal and emotional themes, particularly love and desire. Although only fragments of her work survive, she has been highly admired throughout history for her technical skill and powerful expression.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Scholars study the surviving fragments of Sappho to understand early Greek lyric poetry.
  • The poetry of Sappho has influenced writers for centuries.
  • She is often referred to as the "Tenth Muse," a title reflecting the high esteem for Sappho in antiquity.

Advanced Usage

• "Sapphic" (adjective): Pertaining to Sappho or her poetry; often used in literary contexts to describe meter or themes reminiscent of her work. In a modern context, it is also used as an adjective relating to women who are attracted to other women, derived from the themes in her poetry.
  • The poet employed a Sapphic stanza in her ode.
• The term "Lesbian", meaning a woman who is attracted to other women, derives from the name of Sappho's home island, Lesbos, due to the content of her surviving poems.

Variants and Related Words

• Sapphic (adj): Of or relating to Sappho or her poetry; characterized by or given to lesbianism.
• Lesbian (adj, n): (From Lesbos, Sappho's island) Of or relating to sexual or romantic attraction between women; a woman who is attracted to other women.

Synonyms

• The Poetess (a traditional epithet for Sappho in ancient sources).
• The Tenth Muse (a historical term of admiration).

Notes on Meaning

Sappho is primarily known as a historical literary figure. The primary meaning is the poet herself. The adjectives derived from her name ("Sapphic") and her homeland ("Lesbian") have developed additional, distinct meanings in modern language related to sexuality, but these are considered separate lexical entries from the proper noun "Sappho."

Noun

1. the Greek lyric poet of Lesbos; much admired although only fragments of her poetry have been preserved (6th century BC)