Amazons
/əˈmæzənz/noun
Amazons are the legendary warrior women of ancient Greek tradition, or women regarded as formidable fighters.
Did you know?Greek authors connected Amazons with the idea of women removing one breast to shoot bows, but ancient art usually depicts them with both breasts, and the name’s true origin remains disputed.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Greek
Greek
Ἀμαζόνες (Amazónes)
“The name used by Greek writers for a legendary nation of warrior women”
5th Century BCE
Greek
Ἀμαζόνες
“Amazons portrayed in Greek historical writing, epic, vase painting, and sculpture”
Ancient Greek interpretation
Greek
ἀ-μαζός (a-mazos)
“Traditionally interpreted as “without a breast,” though this is considered a folk etymology rather than a securely established origin”
Latin
Latin
Amazonēs
“The Amazons of Greek mythology and classical geography”
Middle English
English
Amazon
“A female warrior or a woman of imposing strength”
Modern English
English
Amazons
“Plural of Amazon; legendary warrior women, or formidable women by comparison”
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