noun

banshee

ban-SHEE

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Banshee (noun) means In Irish folklore, a female spirit whose mournful wailing is said to warn a household that a death is coming. Example: “According to the old story, a banshee wailed outside the house the night before his grandfather died.”

noun

In Irish folklore, a female spirit whose mournful wailing is said to warn a household that a death is coming.

"According to the old story, a banshee wailed outside the house the night before his grandfather died."

"The film used a banshee's scream as its signature jump-scare sound."

Informally, a loud, shrieking or bad-tempered woman (or, by extension, anyone making a piercing wailing noise).

"The toddler screamed like a banshee the moment his ice cream fell on the pavement."

How to use banshee

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA wailing female ghost from Irish legend that supposedly signals an approaching death; also used loosely for anyone letting out a piercing scream.

Common pairings

scream like a banshee wail like a banshee

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: banshees

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According to the old story, a _____ wailed outside the house the night before his grandfather died.

Etymology

From Irish bean sí, literally "woman of the fairy mound," via Old Irish ben síde. The word entered English in 1771.

Origin: Old Irish · First attested 1771

Class of 1771 banshee joined the language around 1771.

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Synonyms

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banshie

Related words

banshie

Rhymes for banshee

ee see bee wee nee pee fee tee zee gee vee ree

See all rhymes for banshee →

Frequently asked questions

What does “banshee” mean?

The word “banshee” means in Irish folklore, a female spirit whose mournful wailing is said to warn a household that a death is coming. In plain terms, a wailing female ghost from Irish legend that supposedly signals an approaching death; also used loosely for anyone letting out a piercing scream.

How do you pronounce “banshee”?

“Banshee” is pronounced ban-SHEE (/bænˈʃiː/ in IPA).

How do you use “banshee” in a sentence?

Here is “banshee” used in a sentence: “According to the old story, a banshee wailed outside the house the night before his grandfather died.”

What part of speech is “banshee”?

“Banshee” is a noun.

Where does the word “banshee” come from?

The word “banshee” dates back to around 1771 and comes from Old Irish. From Irish bean sí, literally "woman of the fairy mound," via Old Irish ben síde. The word entered English in 1771.

How many meanings does “banshee” have?

“Banshee” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Irish folklore, a female spirit whose mournful wailing is said to warn a household that a death is coming.

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