folktale

Definition of folktalenext
as in tale
a traditional description of imaginary events circulated orally among a people West African folktales that continue to be passed from generation to generation through storytelling

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of folktale From causing supernatural events to creating hysteria, our orbiting nightlight has always had legends and folktales written about it. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 28 June 2026 Traditionally played on string instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo, this distinctly twangy genre passed down religious hymns, ballads, and folktales through generations. Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Comprising more than 300 folktales and legends from northern Norway, including many from the coastal Sámi and the Skolt Sámi of eastern Finland, this anthology shares narratives told by fishers, farmers, reindeer herders, lay preachers and teachers. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 Virginia Hamilton, The People Could Fly A collection of African American folktales rooted in oral tradition—stories carried across generations, shaped by memory, resistance, and imagination. Edwin B. Maxwell, Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for folktale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktale
Noun
  • Set in 1964 and based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a young journalist who tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in New York and befriends the suspect’s charming wife.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Like James himself, the men are clever and bookish, writing letters or diaries, reading voraciously, and imagining themselves into tales of romance and Biblical comeuppance.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Naturally, when a legend like Dion emerges, a huge crowd of fans will form.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Argentine legend completed a hat trick to stretch the lead to 5-1 in the 83rd minute, chipping a shot over the goalkeeper off an assist from Rodrigo De Paul.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Like all other alumni interviewed for this story, one of the first things Oberlander mentioned about her love for Killian was athletics — football games in particular.
    Austin Horn August 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Your stories are a great reminder of what sports teaches high school students about life.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Visitors are invited to travel across time and place to notice how societies around the world tended to weave similar, parallel myths.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But cultural myths and urban legends have also stereotyped them into Halloween mascots, demonic beings and carriers of diseases.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This week, the Indiana Fever point guard became the first player in WNBA history with consecutive games of 30 points and 10 assists.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As crowds gathered and the idea caught fire, Hard Rock began taking its particular mix of burgers, band tees, and music history around the world, eventually opening its first Asian cafe in Tokyo in 1983.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their Mediterranean romance becomes complicated when Ry's mother becomes involved in a resort development threatening Julián's family's land.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • That casting was for Prime Video’s romance The Last Sunrise, based on author Anna Todd’s 2025 bestseller and released this Wednesday.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Folktale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktale. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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