mythology

American  

[mi-thol-uh-jee] / mɪˈθɒl ə dʒi /

noun

mythologies plural

1. a body of myths, as that of a particular people or that relating to a particular person.

   Greek mythology.

2. myths collectively.

3. the science or study of myths.

4. a set of stories, traditions, or beliefs associated with a particular group or the history of an event, arising naturally or deliberately fostered.

   the Fascist mythology of the interwar years.

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mythology British  

/ mɪˈθɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a body of myths, esp one associated with a particular culture, institution, person, etc

2. a body of stories about a person, institution, etc

   the mythology of Hollywood

3. myths collectively

4. the study or collecting of myths

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mythology Cultural  

1. The body of myths belonging to a culture. Myths are traditional stories about gods and heroes. They often account for the basic aspects of existence — explaining, for instance, how the Earth was created, why people have to die, or why the year is divided into seasons. Classical mythology — the myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans — has had an enormous influence on European and American culture.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• mythologies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of mythology

1375–1425; late Middle English mythologie < Late Latin mȳthologia < Greek mȳthología. See mytho-, -logy

Explanation

A mythology is a collection of myths or stories about a specific person, culture, religion, or any group with shared beliefs. Most people don’t consider mythology to be entirely true, but they still take it seriously. A myth is a story about the olden days, often featuring supernatural characters, and a mythology is a bunch of myths that are related to each other. Greek mythology is filled with tales about relationships between gods and humans, usually with gods pulling pranks all the time. Christian mythology tells the story of God creating the Earth and everything after. Mythology can also mean the study of myths in an academic situation, like studying mythology at a university.

Example Sentences

Appeared in the March 10, 2026, print edition as 'Iran Builds Mythology Around New Leader'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

This action-adventure based on Journey to the West - a classic novel from Chinese Mythology - was a giant hit upon its release.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2024

Mythology is filled with apocalyptic visions associated with eclipses.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2024

Mythology offers a far cheekier explanation for the Cat's absence.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2023

The evening before my final, I got so frustrated I threw the Cambridge Guide to Greek Mythology across my dorm room.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• belief
• legend
• lore
• tradition