phoenix

noun

phoe·​nix ˈfē-niks How to pronounce phoenix (audio)
: a legendary bird which according to one account lived 500 years, burned itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the ashes to live another period
also : a person or thing likened to the phoenix
phoenixlike adjective

Examples of phoenix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sheath, adorned with phoenix and tortoise shell designs, was likely a ceremonial offering. Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025 All of you are truly phoenixes rising from the ashes, making something beautiful that will last forever. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 The veteran actor has mounted one hell of an industry comeback thanks to some truly extraordinary work in The Substance, and Hollywood loves a third-act phoenix rising from the ashes. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025 Decorations covered the entire blade, a mixture of abstract phoenixes and tortoise shells. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for phoenix

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fenix, from Old English, from Latin phoenix, from Greek phoinix

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phoenix was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phoenix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phoenix. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

phoenix

noun
phoe·​nix ˈfē-niks How to pronounce phoenix (audio)
: a legendary bird which was thought to live for 500 years, burn itself to death, and then rise newborn from the ashes

Geographical Definition

Phoenix

geographical name

Phoe·​nix ˈfē-niks How to pronounce Phoenix (audio)
city on the Salt River in Arizona population 1,445,632

Note: Phoenix is Arizona's capital and its most populous city.

Phoenician noun

More from Merriam-Webster on phoenix

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