witches

word · lemma: witch

/ˈwɪtʃəz/
WI-chuhz
/wˈɪtʃɪz/
WI-chiz

Definition

Witches are women who are believed, especially in stories and folklore, to have magical powers. The word can also be used in history for women accused of practicing magic.

Usage & Nuances

Usually appears in stories, fantasy, folklore, and Halloween contexts. Singular is 'witch'; male equivalent is often 'wizard' or 'warlock', though not always exact. In modern speech, calling a real person 'a witch' can sound insulting unless clearly playful or fictional.

Example Sentences

The witches in the story live in a dark forest.

basic

People once feared witches in many villages.

basic

The children dressed as witches for Halloween.

basic

That movie makes the witches seem more funny than scary.

natural

In some old tales, witches can change shape and cast spells.

natural

Come on, the neighbors aren’t witches—they’re just a little strange.

natural