American English pronunciation

How to pronounce pyrrhic

IPA transcription: ['pɪɹɪk]

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Noun

  • a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables

  • an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare

Adjective

  • of or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece

    “pyrrhic dance movements”

  • of or relating to or containing a metrical foot of two unstressed syllables

    “pyrrhic verses”

  • of or relating to or resembling Pyrrhus or his exploits (especially his sustaining staggering losses in order to defeat the Romans)

    “a Pyrrhic victory”

Usage examples

  • This was if anything a Pyrrhic victory for both states.
  • This situation is commonly referred to as a Pyrrhic victory.