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

For decades, the phrase has symbolized the mythos of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency — and drawn criticism for glossing over parts of its history tied to racial violence and segregation. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026

The paintings at The Journal Gallery borrow liberally from current events, religion, recent history, the mythos of the Wild West, fascism, and old Hollywood. —Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026

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

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

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