Hades

noun

Ha·​des ˈhā-(ˌ)dēz 

1

: the Greek god of the underworld

2

: the underground abode of the dead in Greek mythology

3

: sheol

4

often not capitalized : hell sense 1a

Did you know?

In Greek mythology, Hades is both the land of the dead and the god who rules there. Hades the god (who the Greeks also called Pluto) is the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, who rule the skies and the seas. The realm called Hades, where he rules with his wife Persephone, is the region under the earth, full of mineral wealth and fertility and home to dead souls. Hades today is sometimes used as a polite term for Hell ("It's hotter than Hades in here!").

Examples of Hades in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This would mirror the development of the original Hades, which spent about two years in Early Access. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

In Greek mythology, the corresponding god is Hades. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025

The trip, Hertz added, takes you to 13 of the nation's best rides across 10 states, including the Hades 360 at Mount Olympus in Wisconsin, Millennium Force at Cedar Point in Ohio, Fury 325 at Carowinds in North Carolina, and El Toro at Six Flags in New Jersey. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2025

The role of Hades will be carried magnificently by Phillip Boykin. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek Aidēs, Āidēs, Haidēs

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for Hades

• ladies

Kids Definition

hades

noun

ha·​des

ˈhād-(ˌ)ēz

: hell sense 1

Etymology

Greek Haidēs, god of the underworld, abode of the dead in Greek mythology