WordGarden.iogoddess
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈɒdɛs/
US
- /ˈɡɑdəs/
Meanings
Noun
a female deity
a woman who is greatly admired or idealized
Beyond the definition
A goddess is not just any woman; she is a female being worshipped as divine, often linked with powers and ideas such as love, wisdom, or war. Across history, cultures around the world have honored goddesses, from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty, to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The word can also be used figuratively for a woman admired for special qualities. You might call a talented singer a "goddess of music" or praise an athlete as a "fitness goddess." At its heart, though, the idea points to reverence, power, and mythic storytelling.
The word "goddess" refers to a female deity—a being worshipped as divine in mythology, religion, and folklore. Unlike mortal women, goddesses are typically immortal, possessing supernatural powers and influence over the natural world or human affairs. They represent fundamental forces, virtues, or aspects of life, often embodying complex symbolism and cultural values.
Historically, goddesses have played crucial roles in countless societies. Ancient Egyptians worshipped Isis as a powerful magician and protector, while the Norse believed in Freya, goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Greek mythology is brimming with iconic goddesses like Athena (wisdom and warfare), Hera (marriage), and Artemis (the hunt).
The concept of a goddess is not limited to ancient religions. In some modern spiritual practices, "Goddess" refers to the divine feminine principle, an empowering force within women and the universe itself.
Beyond religious contexts, "goddess" is often used metaphorically to describe a woman with exceptional beauty, grace, talent, or charisma. Calling someone a "style goddess" implies that she has striking fashion sense, while referring to a dancer as a "movement goddess" highlights her skill and artistry. However, it is important to use the term respectfully so that it does not objectify or diminish the person being described.
Ultimately, whether rooted in ancient myth or modern admiration, a goddess represents something extraordinary—a source of awe, inspiration, and often, profound cultural significance.
Examples
- 1
Mythology
In the story, Artemis is the goddess of the hunt.
- Patternthe goddess of + domain
the goddess connected with that thing
- 2
Temple worship
People left flowers at the temple for the goddess.
- 3
Religious art
The temple walls were covered with images of gods and goddesses.
- 4
Celebrity praise
The crowd treated the singer like a goddess when she walked onstage.
- Phraselike a goddess
as if she were extremely beautiful or admired
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Film star
In the 1950s, she was famous as a screen goddess.
- Phrasescreen goddess
a very glamorous female film star
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- goddessnoun
Forms
- goddessespluralnoun