Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

obol

noun

/ˈoʊbəl/

Definition

A small ancient Greek coin, typically used in transactions or as payment for fare in the afterlife.

Examples

In ancient times, a traveler would leave an obol at the gravesite to ensure a safe passage into the afterlife.
The museum displayed various obols from different city-states of Greece.
She found an obol while digging in her garden, a fascinating relic from the past.

Meaning

The term ‘obol’ refers to a historical unit of currency in ancient Greece, often associated with the practice of giving payment for passage across the Styx to the underworld.