labyrinth
noun
lab·y·rinth
| \ ˈla-bə-ˌrin(t)th
, -rən(t)th\
, -rən(t)th\
Definition of labyrinth
1a
: a place constructed of or full of intricate passageways and blind alleys
a complex labyrinth of tunnels and chambers
b
: a maze (as in a garden) formed by paths separated by high hedges
2
: something extremely complex or tortuous (see tortuous sense 1) in structure, arrangement, or character : intricacy, perplexity
a labyrinth of swamps and channels guided them through the labyrinths of city life— Paul Blanshard
3
: a tortuous anatomical structure
especially
: the internal ear or its bony or membranous part
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Examples of labyrinth in a Sentence
a complex labyrinth of tunnels and chambers
The cockpit was a labyrinth of instruments and controls.
a labyrinth of social customs and rules
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Recent Examples on the Web
By 1814, the Harmonists grew to 700 members and had constructed 130 buildings, including factories, an inn, a tannery, a brewery, schools, a labyrinth, houses, and more. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "This small Indiana town is a hotbed of utopianism," 5 Aug. 2019 Some of the oldest and longest burial tunnels in the world unfurl in a macabre labyrinth beneath Rome’s bustling streets. — Meghan Miner Murray, National Geographic, "9 of Europe’s underground marvels," 2 Aug. 2019 Outside are trees from places with a climate similar to Cheyenne’s (like Sweden and Tibet), a labyrinth, Discovery Pond and wetlands. — Dina Mishev, Washington Post, "Cheyenne," 10 July 2019 This story traces Shahab's journey through a seemingly endless labyrinth that is the American immigration court system — including the role played by friends and allies. — Ines Novacic, CBS News, "The untold stories behind the headlines of America's immigration debate," 5 July 2019 Politics editor Jane Kahoun takes us though the labyrinth of the state budget, with the latest version by the state Senate restoring a tax cut for businesses. — cleveland.com, "Bill Mason returns, Cuyahoga County Council’s backward step, dueling tax cuts, Akram Boutros’ moving speech and what’s up with that earthquake -- This Week in the CLE," 13 June 2019 Dressed in matching kimonos, our group of around 20 silently walks the on-site labyrinth, a metaphor for life’s path, barefoot by candlelight. — Daisy Finer, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Golden Door Is the World's Most Iconic Spa," 21 Dec. 2018 Surveillance video footage shows the child's ride Monday afternoon taking him through a behind-the-scenes labyrinth that few travelers ever see. — al, "2-year-old takes wild ride on Atlanta airport baggage conveyor belt," 25 July 2019 That single statement ushered his family into the American immigration labyrinth. — Washington Post, "Migrants risk it all seeking asylum. The answer in court is almost always ‘no.’," 24 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'labyrinth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for labyrinth
labyrinth
noun
English Language Learners Definition of labyrinth
: a place that has many confusing paths or passages
: something that is extremely complicated or difficult to understand
See the full definition for labyrinth in the English Language Learners Dictionary
labyrinth
noun
lab·y·rinth
| \ ˈla-bə-ˌrinth
\
\
Kids Definition of labyrinth
: a place that has many confusing paths and passages
labyrinth
noun
lab·y·rinth
| \ ˈlab-ə-ˌrin(t)th, -rən(t)th
\
\
Medical Definition of labyrinth
: a tortuous anatomical structure
especially
: the inner ear or its bony or membranous part — see bony labyrinth, membranous labyrinth
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