halcyon
adjective/noun
Denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful; a mythical bird said to calm the sea during winter solstice.
Etymology
From Greek halkyon "kingfisher," associated with the myth of Alcyone who was transformed into a kingfisher. Halcyon days were calm days around the winter solstice.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"He often reminisced about the halcyon days of his youth."
- 2.
"The halcyon summer of 1969 seemed full of endless possibilities."
- 3.
"Before the war, the village enjoyed halcyon prosperity."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
In Greek mythology, Alcyone threw herself into the sea after her husband drowned. The gods transformed them both into kingfishers and calmed the seas for seven days each winter so they could nest—the original "halcyon days."
Word Game Tips
Letters: 7 letters (H, A, L, C, Y, O, N)
Scrabble Value: 15 points
Tip: Try building from common prefixes or suffixes when you spot these letters.
Put Your Vocabulary to the Test!
Ready to find words like "halcyon" in a puzzle? Try today's Zabble challenge!