mythology

American  

[mi-thol-uh-jee] / mɪˈθɒl ə dʒi /

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.

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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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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

Greek mythology provides guidance, specifically Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

One area traces the evolution of Celtic coins—from the early adoption and imitation of foreign representational prototypes to their abstract reinvention, rooted in Celtic mythology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

In fact, it’s got more pop DNA than many of its contemporaries — just don’t expect the intricacies to come from Mother Mary’s music or her mythology.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

Spitz’s deep reporting often pierces the mythology surrounding the band.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

The prospect of traveling back to this delightful state of things is held out by nearly every writer who touches upon classical mythology, above all by the poets.

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

Related Words

• belief
• legend
• lore
• tradition