goddess

Everyday

1. A goddess is a female god, a powerful being in some religions and myths, such as Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom, or Freya in Norse myths. tree →
2. (informal) A goddess is a woman who is greatly admired, for her beauty or for being very good at something («a sports goddess»). tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons on Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Vikings, children learn about many gods and goddesses. Hindus today worship goddesses such as Lakshmi and Durga. Christians, Jews and Muslims believe in one God and do not speak of goddesses. In everyday talk «goddess» is high praise.

Examples

• Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom. tree →
• The Romans called the goddess of love Venus. tree →
• Isis was an important Egyptian goddess. tree →
• Hindus pray to the goddess Lakshmi at Diwali. tree →
• The temple was built for a goddess. tree →
• The fans called the tennis star a goddess. tree →
• Each Greek goddess had her own symbol. tree →
• Libitina was the goddess who presided over funerals. tree →

Note

Plural: goddesses. Write «God» with a capital for the one God of Christians, Jews and Muslims; «a god» and «a goddess» with small letters for gods of myths. Be respectful about living religions.

In Jewish tradition

A female god of the nations around Israel, like Ashtoreth, whom Solomon was led to worship. The Bible treats such gods as false.

Interpretation. Tradition sees Solomon's turning to the gods of his foreign wives as a serious fall, a sign of how even the wisest king could be led away from the one God.

Examples

• For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the detestation of the Ammonites. (Prophets 1KI.11.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Plural: goddesses. Write «God» with a capital for the one God of Christians, Jews and Muslims; «a god» and «a goddess» with small letters for gods of myths. Be respectful about living religions.