1
: traditional customs, tales, sayings, dances, or art forms preserved among a people
Paul Bunyan is a figure from folklore.
Like its predecessor, the game draws from elements of African folklore and spiritual beliefs.—
Megan Farokhmanesh
Megan Farokhmanesh2
: a branch of knowledge that deals with folklore
a specialist in folklore
3
: an often unsupported notion, story, or saying that is widely circulated
the folklore about the health risks of computers
Examples of folklore in a Sentence
The coyote appears in a great deal of Native American folklore.
the rich folklore of Louisiana
He can't tell the difference between fact and folklore.
Recent Examples on the Web
Recent biomolecular research has confirmed that the Old Irish goat is more than just a local folklore and represents a direct, living connection to the island’s prehistoric past.
—Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026
In folklore, goats primarily appear in local traditions, place names, and seasonal customs.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
The mythologies of the medical ass could blossom, like the oral folklore of a tribe allowed to retain its own myths without the colonizing interference of invaders.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
The duo’s inspiration—from Italian folklore, art, architecture, opera, cinema, religion, and the sheer beauty of their native country—shines through.
—Laurie Brookins, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for folklore
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Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026
In folklore, goats primarily appear in local traditions, place names, and seasonal customs.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
The mythologies of the medical ass could blossom, like the oral folklore of a tribe allowed to retain its own myths without the colonizing interference of invaders.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
The duo’s inspiration—from Italian folklore, art, architecture, opera, cinema, religion, and the sheer beauty of their native country—shines through.
—Laurie Brookins, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for folklore
Cite this Entry
“Folklore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folklore. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
folklore
noun
folk·lore
ˈfōk-ˌlō(ə)r 
-ˌlȯ(ə)r
: customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings of a people handed down from generation to generation
folkloric
adjective
-ˌlȯr-ik
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