halcyon

[ hal-see-uhn ]

adjective

1. calm; peaceful; tranquil:

   halcyon weather.

   Synonyms: well-to-do, well-off, moneyed, rich, roaring, palmy, flourishing, joyous, joyful, golden, contented, windless, temperate, stormless, pleasant, mild, balmy, unruffled, still, serene, quiet, placid, pacific

2. happy; blissful; carefree:

   halcyon days of youth.

3. prosperous; wealthy:

   halcyon times of peace.

4. of or relating to the halcyon or kingfisher.

noun

1. a mythical bird, usually identified with the kingfisher, said to breed about the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea, and to have the power of charming winds and waves into calmness.
2. any of various kingfishers, especially of the genus Halcyon.
3. Halcyon, Classical Mythology. Alcyone ( def 2 ).

halcyon

/ ˈhælsɪən /

adjective

1. peaceful, gentle, and calm
2. happy and carefree

noun

1. Greek myth a fabulous bird associated with the winter solstice
2. a poetic name for the kingfisher
3. halcyon days
   1. a fortnight of calm weather during the winter solstice
   2. a period of peace and happiness

Word History and Origins

Origin of halcyon¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin, from Greek halkyṓn, pseudo-etymological variant of alkyṓn “kingfisher”; replacing Middle English alceon, alicion, from Latin alcyōn, from Greek

Word History and Origins

Origin of halcyon¹

C14: from Latin alcyon, from Greek alkuōn kingfisher, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The waters of Halcyon have high levels of lithia, known for its antidepressant properties, including the capacity to regenerate pathways in the brain, making these waters particularly suited for well-being.

From Seattle Times

King allegedly formed a new company in 2013 and the pair made that company the manager of the investment fund Halcyon, entitled to the monthly management fee, according to the indictment.

From Seattle Times

“It’s a rogues’ gallery on that through one provider,” said Halcyon executive Ryan Golden ahead of the report’s publication.

From Reuters

The broad narrative of the Galactic Starcruiser voyage is a battle for control of the ship, known as the Halcyon, between the evil First Order and the good guys of the Resistance.

From Los Angeles Times

Halcyon Days holds a royal warrant and makes Coronation plates and souvenirs from its factories in Stoke on Trent and the Midlands.

From BBC