incubus
noun
in·cu·bus
ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs 
ˈin-
plural incubi
ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbī
-ˌbē
-ˌbē
ˈin-
also incubuses
1
: an evil spirit that lies on persons in their sleep
especially
: one that has sexual intercourse with women while they are sleeping compare succubus
3
: one that oppresses or burdens like a nightmare
Examples of incubus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This meaning is visualized in Henry Fuseli’s 1781 painting The Nightmare, which shows a woman sleeping peacefully on a couch while a nauseating monster—an incubus—sits portentously on her abdomen, unbeknownst to her.
—
Time, 28 Dec. 2022
As Tommy’s experiences in the tunnels of France mark a continued incubus for his character, with visions of being pulled into the mud, the sounding of the bell coincides with his own inner peace.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 13 June 2022
An incubus is the male variety (and also that band).
—Angie Jones, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2022
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Time, 28 Dec. 2022
As Tommy’s experiences in the tunnels of France mark a continued incubus for his character, with visions of being pulled into the mud, the sounding of the bell coincides with his own inner peace.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 13 June 2022
An incubus is the male variety (and also that band).
—Angie Jones, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2022
Dictionary Entries Near incubus
Cite this Entry
“Incubus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubus. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incubus
noun
in·cu·bus
ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs
ˈin-
plural incubi
-ˌbī
-ˌbē
also incubuses
1
: an evil spirit once believed to lie upon persons in their sleep
Medical Definition
incubus
noun
in·cu·bus
ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs, ˈin-
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