VocabDictionary

banishees

/ˈbæn.ɪʃ.iːz/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Plural form of banshee; female spirits in Irish folklore who herald the death of a family member with a piercing, mournful cry.

Example Sentences:
  • The old legends spoke of the banishees gathering at the edge of the woods to lament the passing of the clan leader.
  • In the dark of the night, the wind sounded like the collective wailing of a dozen banishees.
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English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “banishees”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

An archaic or rare pluralization of 'banshee,' derived from the Irish 'bean sí' (woman of the fairy mound). In Irish folklore, a banshee is a female spirit whose mournful wailing warns of an impending death in a family. The plural form 'banishees' is occasionally found in literary contexts or dialectal variations of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'ban-she-ees': The banshees are 'banned' from the party because their wailing is too loud.

Frequently Asked Questions About “banishees

1. What is the meaning of “banishees” in English?

In English, banishees (noun) is defined as: “Plural form of banshee; female spirits in Irish folklore who herald the death of a family member with a piercing, mournful cry.”.

2. How do you use “banishees” in a sentence?

The old legends spoke of the banishees gathering at the edge of the woods to lament the passing of the clan leader.

3. What are English synonyms of “banishees”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “banishees”?

An archaic or rare pluralization of 'banshee,' derived from the Irish 'bean sí' (woman of the fairy mound). In Irish folklore, a banshee is a female spirit whose mournful wailing warns of an impending death in a family. The plural form 'banishees' is occasionally found in literary contexts or dialectal variations of the 19th and early 20th centuries.