delphi

delphi — noun

1. a holy place in ancient Greece where a priestess called the Oracle was believed

1.nounB2
Definition

a holy place in ancient Greece where a priestess called the Oracle was believed to speak for the god Apollo, giving answers to people who travelled there with questions

Example

In ancient times, Greek leaders came to Delphi to seek advice from the Oracle.

prepositional phrase opening + infinitive of purpose

The priestess at Delphi would enter a trance before delivering Apollo's answers to visitors.

would for habitual past action

Common collocations
  • consult the Oracle at Delphi
  • temple of Apollo at Delphi
  • the Oracle of Delphi

2. an important city in ancient Greece, built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, kno

2.nounC1
Definition

an important city in ancient Greece, built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, known for its temple of Apollo and its role as a cultural and religious centre

Example

The ancient city of Delphi sits on a slope of Mount Parnassus in central Greece.

article + noun subject: The ancient city of Delphi

Archaeologists working at Delphi have found statues, coins, and the ruins of many buildings.

participial modifier: Archaeologists working at...

Common collocations
  • the ruins of Delphi
  • the site of Delphi
  • excavations at Delphi
  • ancient Delphi

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 refers to the city itself, while sense 1 refers specifically to the sanctuary and oracle located within it.

Word family

  • Delphic
    adjectiveC1

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • consult the oracle at Delphi
  • the town of Delphi
  • the site of Delphi

Prepositions

  • at Delphi
  • in Delphi
  • from Delphi
  • to Delphi

Etymology

Ancient GreekLatinEnglish

The name comes from the Greek word Delphoi (Δελφοί), which many scholars link to delphys (δελφύς), meaning 'womb', because ancient Greeks believed Delphi was the centre or navel of the earth. Another old story says the name comes from delphis (δελφίς), meaning 'dolphin', since the god Apollo was said to have turned into a dolphin to guide priests to the site.