Penates

plural noun

Pe·na·tes pə-ˈnā-tēz

-ˈnä-

: the Roman gods of the household worshipped in close connection with Vesta and with the Lares

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from penus food, provisions

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Penates was circa 1522

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

penannular

Penates

pen-cancel

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Penates.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Penates. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hobgoblin

Listen to the pronunciation of hobgoblin

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)