Banshee meaning

A banshee is a female spirit in Irish folklore believed to wail or keen near a house to foretell a death in the family.


Banshee definitions

Word backwards eehsnab
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "banshee" is noun.
Syllabic division ban-shee
Plural The plural of banshee is banshees.
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (4) b,n,s,h

Have you ever heard the chilling wail of a banshee in the dead of night? In Irish folklore, a banshee is a female spirit believed to be an omen of death. She is known for her piercing scream that can be heard when someone is about to die.

The Legend of the Banshee

Banshee comes from the Irish term "bean sidhe," which means "woman of the fairy mound." According to legend, the banshee is a supernatural being who appears as an old woman or a young maiden. She is typically dressed in a white or grey robe with long, flowing hair.

Role of the Banshee

The banshee's main role is to forewarn families of impending death. Her haunting cry is said to be heard at night near the homes of those who are about to pass away. While her appearance is meant to be a warning, seeing or hearing the banshee can be a terrifying experience.

Superstitions and Beliefs

In Irish folklore, hearing the cry of a banshee is often associated with imminent death. It is believed that the banshee follows certain ancient Irish families and appears to announce the passing of a loved one. Some stories even suggest that multiple banshees will join together, wailing in chorus for a great or noble person's death.

Modern Interpretations

While the legend of the banshee originates from Irish mythology, it has been woven into modern popular culture. The banshee often appears in literature, movies, and TV shows as a harbinger of doom. Her eerie scream continues to send shivers down the spines of those who hear it, keeping the myth alive in the modern world.


Banshee Examples

  1. The eerie wail of the banshee echoed through the dark forest.
  2. Legend has it that seeing a banshee means someone in the family will soon die.
  3. The banshee's piercing scream sent shivers down my spine.
  4. In Irish folklore, the banshee is said to be a harbinger of death.
  5. As soon as the banshee appeared, a sense of foreboding washed over the village.
  6. My grandmother used to tell stories of the banshee to scare us before bedtime.
  7. According to the old tales, the banshee only appears to those destined to die.
  8. The banshee's mournful cry could be heard for miles around.
  9. Despite the banshee's terrifying reputation, some believe she is a guardian spirit.
  10. The banshee is often depicted as a woman with flowing hair and red eyes.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 01/04/2024 - 18:55:33