1. Female followers of Dionysus in ancient Greek mythology, often depicted as frenzied and ecstatic during religious rituals and celebrations.
Usage: plural of menad; also called Maenads; classical mythology
2. A woman in a state of wild frenzy or ecstatic excitement.
Usage: figurative or literary use; often capitalized when referring to mythological figures

Examples

• In Greek mythology, the menads were known for their wild dances and devotion to Dionysus.
• The ancient vase depicted menads tearing apart a sacrificial animal during a Dionysian festival.
• The menads in the play moved across the stage with frenzied energy and abandon.
• Classical scholars study the role of menads in ancient Greek religious practices.
• The poet described the crowd as menads possessed by divine madness.
• Menads appear frequently in ancient Greek art and literature as symbols of ecstatic worship.