phoenix

noun

phoe·​nix ˈfē-niks 

: a legendary bird which according to one account lived 500 years, burned itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the ashes to live another period

also : a person or thing likened to the phoenix

phoenixlike

ˈfē-niks-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of phoenix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The underestimation, criticism, and constant attempts to define her through others’ choices have fueled her phoenix-like rise, leaving her more excited and determined than ever. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The reference carries an extra weight in a city whose symbol is a phoenix rising from the ashes — a symbol adopted because Union forces burned parts of a young Atlanta during the Civil War. — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Incorporating work rejected by her and her husband, Krasner was reborn, like a phoenix, from the destruction. — John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Today, her work takes cues from antique phoenix-tail vases, ginger jars, flasks, and other traditional Chinese silhouettes, exploring the intersection of ceramics and globalization. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fenix, from Old English, from Latin phoenix, from Greek phoinix

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

phoenix

noun

phoe·​nix ˈfē-niks 

: a legendary bird which was thought to live for 500 years, burn itself to death, and then rise newborn from the ashes

Geographical Definition

Phoenix

geographical name

Phoe·​nix ˈfē-niks 

city on the Salt River in Arizona

Note: Phoenix is Arizona's capital and its most populous city.

Phoenician

fē-ˈni-shən 

noun