myth
♦ myth /m'ɪθ/ (myths)
1 [N-VAR]
A myth is a well-known story which was made up in the past to explain natural events or to justify religious beliefs or social customs.
There is a famous Greek myth in which Icarus flew too near to the Sun.
2 [N-VAR]
If you describe a belief or explanation as a myth, you mean that many people believe it but it is actually untrue.
Contrary to the popular myth, women are not reckless spendthrifts.
= fallacyur|ban myth (urban myths)
or urban legend
[N-COUNT]
An urban myth is a strange or surprising story which many people believe, but which is not actually true.
1 [N-VAR]
A myth is a well-known story which was made up in the past to explain natural events or to justify religious beliefs or social customs.
There is a famous Greek myth in which Icarus flew too near to the Sun.
2 [N-VAR]
If you describe a belief or explanation as a myth, you mean that many people believe it but it is actually untrue.
Contrary to the popular myth, women are not reckless spendthrifts.
= fallacyur|ban myth (urban myths)
or urban legend
[N-COUNT]
An urban myth is a strange or surprising story which many people believe, but which is not actually true.