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Definition of folklore

folklore

/ˈfoʊk.lɔːr/
folk · lore
Adverb:folklorically
•
Adjective:folkloric
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folklore Lexical Profile

folklore Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and sayings of a community, passed down through the generations primarily by word of mouth.

Example

"Local folklore tells of a hidden treasure buried deep within the coastal caves."

2

A body of popular but unfounded or exaggerated beliefs and anecdotes surrounding a particular topic, group, or institution.

Example

"The company's early startup days inside a tiny garage have become part of corporate folklore."

3

The academic study of traditional beliefs, tales, and cultural practices.

Example

"She earned her doctorate in folklore and anthropology at the state university."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

folio
folk
folkdance
folklore
folkloric
folks
folksiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1846 by the English antiquarian William Thoms from 'folk' (people) and 'lore' (knowledge or learning) as an Anglo-Saxon replacement for the phrase 'popular antiquities'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Folklore. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/folklore
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