Moira

[ moi-ruh ]

noun

, plural Moi·rai [moi, -rahy]

1. Classical Mythology.
   1. the personification of fate.
   2. Moirai, the Fates. See fate ( def 6 ).
2. (often lowercase) (among ancient Greeks) a person's fate or destiny.
3. a female given name.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Moira¹

From Greek moîra “part, portion of booty, one’s portion in life, division (of land, people), political party,” related to Greek méros “a part”

Example Sentences

This summer, Bug also has to contend with a friend named Moira, who is determined to give Bug a girly makeover before they go to their new school in the fall.

From Time

Smith attended both funerals as a cop and as the husband of Police Officer Moira Smith, who died on 9/11.

From The Daily Beast

It belonged to Police Officer Moira Smith, who was last seen leading a bleeding civilian to safety from the South Tower.

From The Daily Beast

"Unfortunately, it's just not funny enough," summarized Moira Macdonald at The Seattle Times.

From The Daily Beast

Moira Johnston and her breasts have become pseudo-celebrities in downtown Manhattan this summer.

From The Daily Beast

Moira Johnston takes her top off in New York City to draw attention to a state law sanctioning bared breasts in public.

From The Daily Beast

She doubtless represents the Moira or Fate, whose touch deprives him of life.

From Project Gutenberg

Moira alone remained close to Paul; his arm had encircled her where he sat.

From Project Gutenberg

"Patience says that it takes a woman to manage things," retorted Moira wisely.

From Project Gutenberg

I mean, of course, names other than Jimmy—and Moira—and the other child.

From Project Gutenberg

But most of all, they blossomed about Moira—for the sake, not only of the child, but of his dead love.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accident
• action
• case
• cause
• coincidence
• crisis
• detail
• event
• fact
• factor
• fate
• incident
• matter
• occurrence
• status
• thing
• time