banshee Definition
- 1a female spirit in Irish mythology who wails to warn of impending death in a family
- 2a woman whose loud, wailing cries indicate mourning or foretell a death
Using banshee: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "banshee" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The banshee's cry was heard throughout the village, signaling the death of a family member.
Example
The old woman was known as the neighborhood banshee, always wailing and crying at funerals.
Example
The sound of the banshee's wail sent shivers down my spine.
Example
According to legend, the banshee only appears to families with Irish ancestry.
banshee Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for banshee
Phrases with banshee
Example
When she heard the news, she started keening like a banshee.
banshee's warning
an omen or sign that someone will soon die
Example
The sudden appearance of a black cat was seen as a banshee's warning by the superstitious villagers.
banshee's curse
a curse or ill fate believed to be caused by the wailing of a banshee
Example
Some people believe that hearing the banshee's cry is a sign of a banshee's curse.
Origins of banshee
from Irish Gaelic 'bean sí', meaning 'woman of the fairy mound'
Summary: banshee in Brief
A banshee [ˈbænʃi] is a female spirit from Irish mythology that wails to warn of impending death in a family. In modern usage, it refers to a woman whose loud, wailing cries indicate mourning or foretell a death. The phrase 'keening like a banshee' describes loud and mournful wailing, while 'banshee's warning' and 'banshee's curse' refer to omens or signs of impending death.
