phoenix
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for phoenix, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A mythical bird said to burn up and then rise again from its own ashes.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use phoenix
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek phoinix, ultimately traced to an Egyptian word for the grey heron, a bird once worshipped at Heliopolis and linked to yearly renewal along the Nile.
Full origin of phoenix →Frequently asked questions
What does “phoenix” mean?
The word “phoenix” means a mythical bird said to burn up and then rise again from its own ashes. In plain terms, a legendary bird reborn from its own ashes, and by extension anything that bounces back after being wiped out.
How do you pronounce “phoenix”?
“Phoenix” is pronounced FEE-nihks (/ˈfiːnɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “phoenix” in a sentence?
Here is “phoenix” used in a sentence: “Like a phoenix, the old cinema rose from the ashes of the fire that gutted it.”
What part of speech is “phoenix”?
“Phoenix” is a noun.
Where does the word “phoenix” come from?
The word “phoenix” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek phoinix, ultimately traced to an Egyptian word for the grey heron, a bird once worshipped at Heliopolis and linked to yearly renewal along the Nile.
Is “phoenix” a common word?
“Phoenix” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “phoenix” have?
“Phoenix” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mythical bird said to burn up and then rise again from its own ashes.
What is the plural of 'phoenix'?
The usual plural is 'phoenixes.' A rarer, more literary form 'phoenices' also appears but is uncommon in modern writing.
Is 'phoenix' a symbol of rebirth?
Yes. The phoenix is a classic symbol of rebirth and renewal because the mythical bird is said to burn up and then rise again from its own ashes. By extension, 'a phoenix' can describe any person or thing that recovers and flourishes after apparent ruin.