noun
vila
VEE-luh
Vila (noun) means a female nature spirit in Slavic folklore, often associated with forests or water and compared to a fairy or nymph. Example: “In the old tale, a vila lures the shepherd deep into the forest.”
noun
1
A female nature spirit in Slavic folklore, often associated with forests or water and compared to a fairy or nymph.
"In the old tale, a vila lures the shepherd deep into the forest."
"She is answered, fittingly enough, by a vila, who declares that she is more beautiful than the girl."
— Albert Bates Lord, The Singer Resumes the Tale (1995)
"Duly married, the couple lived for some time in peace and contentment, until one day Marko boasted that his wife was a vila, whereupon she put on her wings and flew away."
— Mike Dixon-Kennedy, Encyclopedia of Russian and Slavic Myth and Legend (1998)
How to use vila
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fairy-like spirit from Slavic folklore.
When to use it
A specialist/folklore term, rarely used outside discussions of Slavic mythology.
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Word forms
- Plural
- vilas, vile
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the old tale, a _____ lures the shepherd deep into the forest.
Etymology
Borrowed from Serbo-Croatian and Slovene vila, a term for this folkloric spirit.
Rhymes for vila
See all rhymes for vila →Frequently asked questions
What does “vila” mean?
The word “vila” means a female nature spirit in Slavic folklore, often associated with forests or water and compared to a fairy or nymph. In plain terms, a fairy-like spirit from Slavic folklore.
How do you pronounce “vila”?
“Vila” is pronounced VEE-luh (/ˈviːlə/ in IPA).
How do you use “vila” in a sentence?
Here is “vila” used in a sentence: “In the old tale, a vila lures the shepherd deep into the forest.”
What part of speech is “vila”?
“Vila” is a noun.
