Phrase guide

lares and penates

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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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌlɛəɹiːz ənd pɪˈnɑːtiːz/
  • General-American: /ˌlɛɹiz ənd pɪˈnɑtiz/

1

noun

Meaning 1

The household deities of ancient Rome, respectively overseeing the family and its house and storerooms.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Roman, plural, plural-only

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

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

One's prized possessions, considered as the protectors or symbols of one's household.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, plural, plural-only

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A calque of Latin lares et penates. See lar and penates.