Ephebe

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɛˈfiːb/

Origin

Via Latin, from Greek εφηβος (επι- + ήβη ‘early manhood’).

Full definition of ephebe

Noun

1. A young man, especially an 18-20 year old in ancient Greece undergoing military training.
• 1922, His glance touched their faces lightly as he smiled, a blond ephebe. — James Joyce, Ulysses
• 1993, Indeed Tom was much still the ephebe, sharing boys with his friend though talking of the gravity of marriage — Anthony Burgess, A Dead Man in Deptford

Derived terms

• ephebophilia

Related terms

• ephebos
• ephebus