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noun B1 Intermediate Common

phoenix

FEE-nihks
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Phoenix (noun) means a mythical bird said to burn up and then rise again from its own ashes. Example: “In the legend, the phoenix burst into flames and was born again.”

noun
1
A mythical bird said to burn up and then rise again from its own ashes.
"In the legend, the phoenix burst into flames and was born again."
"The children drew a bright red phoenix with golden feathers."
"Like a phoenix, the old cinema rose from the ashes of the fire that gutted it."
2
Something or someone that recovers and thrives after being destroyed or seemingly finished.
"After years of decline, the old football club rose like a phoenix."
"Everyone called her a phoenix after she rebuilt her career from nothing."
"The company became a phoenix, rebuilding stronger after bankruptcy."

How to use phoenix

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA legendary bird reborn from its own ashes, and by extension anything that bounces back after being wiped out.

Common mistake

Note the capitalized "Phoenix" is also the capital city of Arizona — context makes clear which is meant.

Common pairings
rise like a phoenix phoenix from the ashes
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Word forms

Plural
phoenixes, phoenices
Third person singular
phoenixes
Past tense
phoenixed
Test yourself on “phoenix” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In the legend, the _____ burst into flames and was born again.

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.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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firebird

Related words

firebird hangbird redbird

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.

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