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amazon

noun
am·​a·​zon | \ ˈa-mə-ˌzän How to pronounce amazon (audio) , -zən\

Definition of amazon

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 capitalized : a member of a race of female warriors of Greek mythology
2 often capitalized : a tall strong often masculine woman
3 often capitalized : any of a genus (Amazona) of tropical American parrots typically having green plumage marked with other bright colors

Amazon

geographical name
Am·​a·​zon | \ ˈa-mə-ˌzän How to pronounce Amazon (audio) , -zən\

Definition of Amazon (Entry 2 of 2)

river 4000 miles (6400 kilometers) long in northern South America flowing from the Peruvian Andes into the Atlantic in northern Brazil

Note: By volume, the Amazon is the largest river in the world. In length, the Amazon is the longest river in South America.

— see ucayali, solimões
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about amazon

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Did You Know?

In Greek mythology, an Amazon was a member of a race of women warriors. One of the famous labors of Heracles (Hercules) was to obtain the sash of the Amazon queen Hippolyta, and the hero Theseus married Hippolyta's sister. The Amazon River got its name when, in 1542, the first Europeans to descend the river were attacked by Indian warriors who, even at close range, they believed to be women. The mystery of these warriors continues to this day. However impressive a figure they cut, though, not every tall and strong woman today would take it as a compliment to be called an amazon.

Examples of amazon in a Sentence

Noun

 I felt dwarfed, standing beside this redheaded amazon.

First Known Use of amazon

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for amazon

Noun

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek Amazōn

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More Definitions for amazon

amazon

noun
How to pronounce Amazon (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of amazon

: a member of a group of female warriors in stories told by the ancient Greeks
: a tall and strong woman

See the full definition for amazon in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on amazon

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with amazon

Spanish Central: Translation of amazon

Nglish: Translation of amazon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of amazon for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amazon

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