halcyon

American  

[hal-see-uhn] / ˈhæl si ən /

adjective

1. calm; peaceful; tranquil.

   halcyon weather.

   Synonyms:

   well-to-do, well-off, moneyed, rich, roaring, palmy, flourishing, joyous, joyful, golden, contented, windless, temperate, stormless, pleasant, mild, balmy, unruffled, still, serene, quiet, placid, pacific

2. happy; blissful; carefree.

   halcyon days of youth.

3. prosperous; wealthy.

   halcyon times of peace.

4. of or relating to the halcyon or kingfisher.

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noun

1. a mythical bird, usually identified with the kingfisher, said to breed about the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea, and to have the power of charming winds and waves into calmness.

2. any of various kingfishers, especially of the genus Halcyon.

3. Classical Mythology. Halcyon, Alcyone.

halcyon British  

/ ˈhælsɪən /

adjective

1. peaceful, gentle, and calm

2. happy and carefree

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noun

1. Greek myth a fabulous bird associated with the winter solstice

2. a poetic name for the kingfisher

3. 1. a fortnight of calm weather during the winter solstice

   2. a period of peace and happiness

Etymology

Origin of halcyon

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin, from Greek halkyṓn, pseudo-etymological variant of alkyṓn “kingfisher”; replacing Middle English alceon, alicion, from Latin alcyōn, from Greek

Explanation

An old man watching his grandchildren play might look back fondly on his halcyon days, remembering the peaceful, happy time of his youth. The word halcyon comes from a story in Greek mythology about the halcyon bird, which had the power to calm the rough ocean waves every December so she could nest. Like those calm waters, halcyon has come to mean a sense of peace or tranquility. People often use the phrase halcyon days to refer idyllically to a calmer, more peaceful time in their past.

Example Sentences

Cynthia Kaiser, senior vice president at the Halcyon Ransomware Research Center, told the BBC that Friday's release is likely from a historical breach.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

His latest book is the alternate-history novel "Halcyon," set in a fictional version of 2004.

From Salon • Oct. 17, 2023

Halcyon arrived at its conclusion by mapping out Cloudzy’s digital footprint, in part by renting servers directly from the firm and by tying it to known hacking operations.

From Reuters • Aug. 1, 2023

The broad narrative of the Galactic Starcruiser voyage is a battle for control of the ship, known as the Halcyon, between the evil First Order and the good guys of the Resistance.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2023

After the young birds are hatched the charm is broken; but each winter these days of perfect peace come, and they are called after her, Alcyone, or, more commonly, Halcyon days.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton