myth

noun \ˈmith\

: an idea or story that is believed by many people but that is not true

: a story that was told in an ancient culture to explain a practice, belief, or natural occurrence

: such stories as a group

Full Definition of MYTH

a : a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

b : parable, allegory

a : a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone; especially : one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society <seduced by the American myth of individualism — Orde Coombs>

b : an unfounded or false notion

: a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence

: the whole body of myths

See myth defined for English-language learners

See myth defined for kids

Origin of MYTH

Greek mythos

First Known Use: 1830

Related to MYTH

Synonyms: fable, legend, mythos

Antonyms: truth, verity

Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

Rhymes with MYTH

fifth, frith, grith, kith, pith, smith, swith, with, withe

MYTH Defined for Kids

myth

noun \ˈmith\

Definition of MYTH for Kids

: a story often describing the adventures of beings with more than human powers that attempts to explain mysterious events (as the changing of the seasons) or that explains a religious belief or practice

: such stories as a group

: a person or thing existing only in the imagination <The dragon is a myth.>

: a popular belief that is not true <It's just a myth that money can buy happiness.>