phoenix
Phoenix (noun) means a mythical bird said to burn up and then rise again from its own ashes. Example: “Like a phoenix, the old cinema rose from the ashes of the fire that gutted it.”
How to use phoenix
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA legendary bird reborn from its own ashes, and by extension anything that bounces back after being wiped out.
Note the capitalized "Phoenix" is also the capital city of Arizona — context makes clear which is meant.
Word forms
phoenixed past tense, phoenix plural, phoenixes plural, phoenices plural, phoenixes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Like a _____, the old cinema rose from the ashes of the fire that gutted it.
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.
Synonyms
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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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