mythos

noun

my·​thos ˈmi-ˌthōs 

-ˌthäs

plural mythoi ˈmi-ˌthȯi 

1

a

: myth sense 1a

b

: mythology sense 2a

2

: a pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture

3

: theme, plot

the starving artist mythos

Synonyms of mythos

• myth
• legend

Examples of mythos in a Sentence

according to one creation mythos, humans sprang from the forehead of a god

the Superman mythos has long since become ingrained in popular American culture

Recent Examples on the Web

Directed by veterans of the franchise and animated by david production, the series brings one of JoJo’s most ambitious arcs to life, expanding the mythos of the Joestar bloodline. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026

In 2008, after Barack Obama won the Democratic primary, Feingold began to see another, older trend emerge, one that is foundational to the Homeland mythos. —Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026

French director Simon Panay tackles the complex duality of West African mythos in his latest short film, The Boy with White Skin. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026

Serpell’s inquiry weighs the consuming mythos around Morrison against the real woman’s complex and thorny output. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek mŷthos "utterance, speech, discourse, tale, narrative, fiction, legend," of obscure origin

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a