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phoenix

B1
Common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /fˈiːnɪks/

US

  • /ˈfinɪks/

Meanings

Noun

  1. a mythical bird that burns and rises again from its ashes

  2. a person or thing that returns strongly after seeming ruined or finished

Proper-noun

  1. the capital city of Arizona

Beyond the definition

The phoenix is a legendary bird from Greek and Egyptian mythology known for its dramatic cycle of death and rebirth. When nearing the end of its life, it builds a nest of spices and bursts into flames, only to rise again from the ashes—younger and stronger than before. This makes the phoenix a powerful symbol of renewal, immortality, and overcoming adversity.

You might say someone "rose like a phoenix" after facing a difficult challenge, or describe a city rebuilding itself after a disaster as a "phoenix rising." The image evokes hope and transformation even in the face of destruction. It is often used in literature, art, and popular culture to represent themes of resilience and eternal life.

Examples

  1. 1

    Mythology

    In the old story, a phoenix appears just before the kingdom begins again.

  2. 2

    Class art

    The children drew dragons, unicorns, and phoenixes for the class display.

  3. 3

    Club symbol

    The club chose a red phoenix as its new symbol.

  4. 4

    Disaster recovery

    After the flood, the town rose like a phoenix from the ashes.

    • Phraselike a phoenix from the ashes

      becoming strong again after a serious failure or disaster

More examples
  1. 5

    Business metaphor

    Reporters described the rebuilt company as a phoenix of the tech industry.

See also

Similar

  • firebird
  • legendary bird

Contrast

Do not confuse

  • Phoenix, Arizona

Used with (collocations)

  • rise like a phoenix
  • phoenix rising from the ashes
  • the myth of the phoenix

Explore

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • phoenixnoun