mythology

[mi-thol-uh-jee]

noun

plural

mythologies 

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.

mythology

/ 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

mythology

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mythology¹

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

Example Sentences

Although some connections to right-wing extremism persist, Scheel notes that today the reception of Norse mythology is far more varied and reflects a broad spectrum of interests.

Read more on Science Daily

I forgot that if Ama is, in fact, who she claims to be—then we have a resident expert on Ghanaian mythology on the team.

Read more on Literature

Which brings us back to the mythology of the film — this idea of The Creature as an unseen guardian, a half-believed blessing.

Read more on Salon

In Bethnal Green, a group of apartment buildings named after heroes from Greek mythology have subterranean bins for general waste and recycling.

Read more on BBC

The directors and writer of the six-part docuseries say the revolution is ‘wrapped in a lot of mythology and nostalgia,’ leading them to uncover some surprising perspectives.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belief 
• legend 
• lore 
• tradition