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

In the original script, the phoenix was conceived as a relatively modest visual flourish. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

Still, his phoenix-like ability to survive and renew will be tested by his latest venture, which is arguably his most ambitious and consequential. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026

In this sense, the Universe would still die, but could be reborn in a phoenix-like event. —Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026

Siqueira said her most meaningful tattoo is a depiction of a phoenix. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 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 population 1,445,632

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

Phoenician

fē-ˈni-shən 

noun