mythos

American  

[mith-os, mahy-thos] / ˈmɪθ ɒs, ˈmaɪ θɒs /

noun

mythoi plural

1. the underlying system of beliefs, especially those dealing with supernatural forces, characteristic of a particular cultural group.

2. myth.

3. mythology.

---

mythos British  

/ ˈmɪθɒs, ˈmaɪθɒs /

noun

1. the complex of beliefs, values, attitudes, etc, characteristic of a specific group or society

2. another word for myth mythology

---

Etymology

Origin of mythos

1745–55; < Greek mȳ́thos; see myth

Example Sentences

“That’s part of their mythos and their culture,” said Parthemore.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Aside from the horse, the wolf is probably the four-legged animal most associated with the mixed American mythos of rugged independence and family values.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

King’s fans know the town’s lore based on side tours detailed in “Insomnia,” “Dreamcatcher” and “11/22/63,” which deepen the mythos and ground Derry alongside real places like Bangor, Maine, the author’s inspiration.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2025

And Beautiful Eagle Creek became a central part of the program’s mythos.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

Hinduism had started off as a polytheistic religion, a set of tales about warrior gods and battles similar in many ways to the Greek mythos.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife