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

Example Sentences

I had one halcyon year and then it never really abated.

From The Wall Street Journal

With a 70% approval rating and hopes for an improving economy, Takaichi has decided to seize her moment with another tactic from Japan’s halcyon days.

From Barron's

With a 70% approval rating and hopes for an improving economy, Takaichi has decided to seize her moment with another tactic from Japan’s halcyon days.

From Barron's

Twelve years later, those halcyon days of Welsh rugby - in which their then coach Warren Gatland was feted - are long gone.

From BBC

Alongside Spike's lessons in humanity, Boyle highlights a stagnant culture on the island, which is "not progressive, standing still... looking back to the halcyon days of England".

From BBC