What does "tantalus" mean?
A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood stork, Mycteria americana.
Tantalus
/ˈtæntələs/ name, noun
name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood stork, Mycteria americana.
- Grammar: tantalus is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bait, elusive prize, legendary monarch, lydian king.
- Useful contrasts: achievable goal, attainable prize, blameless figure.
- Usage evidence: Tantalus, in spite of his thirst, stopped for a moment his efforts for water, Ixion's wheel stood still, the vulture ceased to tear the giant's liver, the daughters of Danaus rested from their task of drawing water in a sieve, and Sisyphus sat on his rock to listen.
How to use "tantalus"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tantalus" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tantalus" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "tantalus" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "tantalus" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tantalus" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bait" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "tantalus", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood stork, Mycteria americana.
- 2 A stand in which to lock up drink decanters while keeping them visible.
"Yes, there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest."
- 3 Something of an evasive or retreating nature, something consistently out of reach; a tantalising thing.
"Over all, there brooded the shadow of his injuries and the tantalus of their slow healing."
Proper Noun
- 1 A Phrygian king who was condemned to remain in Tartarus, chin-deep in water, with fruit-laden branches hanging above his head; whenever he tried to drink or eat, the water and fruit receded out of reach. Greek
"He will not mannage her, although he mount her, / That worse then Tantalus is her annoy"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
achievable goalattainable prizeblameless figurerewarded hero
Example
"Tantalus, in spite of his thirst, stopped for a moment his efforts for water, Ixion's wheel stood still, the vulture ceased to tear the giant's liver, the daughters of Danaus rested from their task of drawing water in a sieve, and Sisyphus sat on his rock to listen."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tantalus"?
Common synonyms include: bait, elusive prize, legendary monarch, lydian king, mythic king, mythical figure.
How do you use "tantalus" in a sentence?
Tantalus, in spite of his thirst, stopped for a moment his efforts for water, Ixion's wheel stood still, the vulture ceased to tear the giant's liver, the daughters of Danaus rested from their task of drawing water in a sieve, and Sisyphus sat on his rock to listen.
How do you pronounce "tantalus"?
Pronounced /ˈtæntələs/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Latin Tantalus, from Ancient Greek Τάνταλος (Tántalos, “Tantalus”), a Phrygian king in Greek mythology who was condemned to stand in a pool of water which receded every time he tried to drink, and with overhanging branches of fruit which pulled back whenever he tried to eat. Doublet of Tantalus.
Etymology 2
From Latin Tantalus, from Ancient Greek Τάνταλος (Tántalos). Doublet of tantalus.