# pyrrhic

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈpɪ.ɹɪk/ · frequency rank #70,184

## Definitions
1. Of or characterized by pyrrhics (metrical feet with two short syllables).
2. Relating to Pyrrhus, a Macedonian king, or some of his costly victories he had while fighting Rome.
3. Alternative letter-case form of Pyrrhic (“achieved at too great a cost”).

## Etymology
From Latin pyrrhichius, from Ancient Greek πυρρίχιος (purrhíkhios), from πυρρίχη (purrhíkhē, “war dance”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pyrrhic