# vila

/ˈviɫə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vila
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a type of female spirit or fairy found in stories from Eastern Europe. People often describe them as beautiful women who live in forests or mountains and have magical powers.

For teachers: a supernatural female entity in Slavic mythology, often associated with nature and possessing the power to control storms or heal. Frequently depicted as a beautiful maiden who can be either benevolent or vengeful toward humans.

## Examples

- The old stories say a vila lives in the deep forest.
- Local legends describe the vila as a guardian of the mountain spring who only appears to those with a pure heart.
- In Slavic folklore, the vila is often portrayed as a shape-shifting nymph whose ethereal beauty masks a volatile temperament capable of summoning whirlwinds.

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears in the context of Slavic mythology and folklore studies.

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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.