: a nymph changed into a monster in Greek mythology who terrorizes mariners in the Strait of Messina
Phrases
between Scylla and Charybdis
: between two equally hazardous alternatives

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The Strait of Messina is the narrow passage between the island of Sicily and the "toe" of Italy's "boot". In Greek mythology, two monsters hovered on either side of the strait. Scylla, a female monster with six snake-like heads, each with pointed teeth, barked like a dog from the rocks on the Italian side. Charybdis, on the Sicilian side, caused a whirlpool by swallowing the waters of the sea three times a day. When Odysseus attempted to sail between them, he encountered disaster on both sides. Being caught between Scylla and Charybdis is a lot like being between a rock and a hard place.

Examples of Scylla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Editor Kat Merck’s cat, Scylla, has claimed it as her napping pod. Simon Hill, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024 Trump's Scylla is that these people are actually good at their jobs. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Skyllē

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Scylla was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Scylla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scylla. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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