succubus

noun

suc·​cu·​bus ˈsə-kyə-bəs How to pronounce succubus (audio)
plural succubi ˈsə-kyə-ˌbī How to pronounce succubus (audio) -ˌbē How to pronounce succubus (audio)
Synonyms of succubusnext
: a demon assuming female form to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep compare incubus

Examples of succubus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lopez’s Spider Woman gets a bad pixie wig and even more garish goth costuming appropriate for a bewitching, bitchy succubus. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025 That includes, but is not limited to...actual humans, DMs, AI bots or succubus demons. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin succuba paramour, from succubare to lie under, from sub- + cubare to lie, recline

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of succubus was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

succubous
succubus
succulence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Succubus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/succubus. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

succubus

noun
suc·​cu·​bus ˈsək-yə-bəs How to pronounce succubus (audio)
plural succubi -ˌbī How to pronounce succubus (audio) -ˌbē How to pronounce succubus (audio)
: an imaginary demon assuming female form and formerly held to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep compare incubus sense 1

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