Phrase guide

household deity

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A minor tutelary deity watching over a household, usually conceived as a protective ancestral spirit or genius loci.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: human-sciences, lifestyle, mysticism, mythology, philosophy, religion, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An icon or patron saint: a revered individual within a group.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Displaced native Old English cōfgod.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: huisgod — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Finnish: kotijumala — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • German: Hausgott — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Greek: οικιακή θεότητα (oikiakí theótita) — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Italian: penati — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Italian: lari — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Latin: lar — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Latin: penates — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Russian: домово́й (domovój) — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family
  • Swedish: husgud — minor god or goddess who protects a home or family