folk tale

or folk·tale

[ fohk teyl ]

noun

1. a tale or legend originating and traditional among a people or folk, especially one forming part of the oral tradition of the common people.
2. any belief or story passed on traditionally, especially one considered to be false or based on superstition.

folk tale

noun

1. a tale or legend originating among a people and typically becoming part of an oral tradition

Word History and Origins

Origin of folk tale¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

In many respects, they wrote, the Clark family saga is a classic folk tale — “except told in reverse, with the bags full of gold arriving at the beginning, the handsome prince fleeing and the king’s daughter locking herself away in the tower.”

From Los Angeles Times

She received her first medal in 1966 for the book “Always Room for One More,” written by Sorche Nic Leodhas, and her second in 1972 for “One Fine Day,” based on an Armenian folk tale that she retold and illustrated.

From New York Times

Sweet July’s first title, forthcoming in January, will be Roselle Lim’s Chinese folk tale “Celestial Banquet.”

From Los Angeles Times

“When you say you’re going to get everybody’s best shot, you think that’s kind of a folk tale. But you get everybody’s best shot.”

From Seattle Times

Lately, she had been telling friends that understanding the current border crisis reminded her of an old folk tale about a group of blind men encountering an elephant.

From New York Times