noun
gumiho
Gumiho (noun) means a shape-shifting fox spirit in Korean folklore, often depicted as a beautiful woman who seduces and preys on men. Example: “The K-drama features a gumiho trying to become fully human.”
noun
1
A shape-shifting fox spirit in Korean folklore, often depicted as a beautiful woman who seduces and preys on men.
"Somin had grown up hearing stories about gumiho—nine-tailed foxes with the ability to live forever as long as they devoured the energy of men."
— Kat Cho, Vicious Spirits (2020)
"The K-drama features a gumiho trying to become fully human."
"In their human guise the gumiho will seduce a man, kill him, and then consume his liver."
— Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth (2016)
"Gumihos are able to transform into human form, generally beautiful women, in order to seduce men."
— “Translation Notes”, Translation Notes (2012)
How to use gumiho
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nine-tailed fox spirit from Korean mythology, a popular figure in Korean folklore and pop culture.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gumiho.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- gumihos
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The K-drama features a _____ trying to become fully human.
Etymology
Borrowed from Korean 구미호 (gumiho, "nine-tailed fox").
Rhymes for gumiho
See all rhymes for gumiho →Frequently asked questions
What does “gumiho” mean?
The word “gumiho” means a shape-shifting fox spirit in Korean folklore, often depicted as a beautiful woman who seduces and preys on men. In plain terms, a nine-tailed fox spirit from Korean mythology, a popular figure in Korean folklore and pop culture.
How do you use “gumiho” in a sentence?
Here is “gumiho” used in a sentence: “The K-drama features a gumiho trying to become fully human.”
What part of speech is “gumiho”?
“Gumiho” is a noun.
Where does the word “gumiho” come from?
The word “gumiho” comes from Korean. Borrowed from Korean 구미호 (gumiho, "nine-tailed fox").
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include gumiho:
