myth

WordNet-Online
Free dictionary and thesaurus of English. Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and more...
Hint: double-click any word to get it searched!

Definitions from WordNet

Noun myth has 1 sense

myth - a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
--₁ is a kind of story
--₁ is a member of mythology
--₁ has particulars: Gotterdammerung, Ragnarok, Twilight of the Gods
Derived form: verb mythologize₂

Definitions from the Web

Myth

Definition

A myth refers to a traditional story or legend that explains cultural beliefs, customs, or natural phenomena. It often involves gods, heroes, and supernatural beings, and is widely shared within a particular society or culture.

Senses

Sense 1: Traditional Story

Example Sentence: In Greek mythology, the tale of Perseus slaying the monstrous Medusa is a well-known myth.

Sense 2: Deeply Held Belief

Example Sentence: Contrary to popular belief, the myth that lightning never strikes twice in the same place is actually false.

Sense 3: Popular Misconception

Example Sentence: The myth that eating carrots improves night vision has been debunked by scientific research.

Sense 4: Fictional Narrative

Example Sentence: J.R.R. Tolkien created a rich mythology for his fantasy world of Middle-Earth in his famous novel, "The Lord of the Rings."

Usages

Usage 1: Popular Mythology

Example Sentence: The myths of ancient Egypt have fascinated people for centuries, showcasing their unique gods and beliefs.

Usage 2: Local Mythologies

Example Sentence: Native American tribes have their own rich mythologies, which vary from region to region.