# banshee

/ˈbænʃi/ (US) · /bˈænʃiː/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/banshee
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a ghost in Irish stories that cries to warn people that someone is about to die. It is often described as a woman with long, grey hair.

For teachers: a supernatural being in Irish mythology that wails to forewarn of an impending death. Often depicted as a female spirit with long, grey hair.

## Examples

- The banshee's cry echoed through the valley at midnight.
- In many traditional folk tales, the banshee appears to a family to signal that a member is near death.
- The legend of the banshee persists in modern Irish culture, often serving as a metaphor for the inescapable nature of grief and the passage of time.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.