Halcyon

Thursday, June 19, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Halcyon?

adjective
Denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful; calm and prosperous.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˈhæl.si.ən/
UK pronunciation: /ˈhæl.sɪ.ən/
Slow pronunciation: HAL-see-un

Meaning Explained

Halcyon conjures glassy seas and gentle days—nostalgic or literal calm.

Why This Word?

Chosen for the serene mood of long, bright June evenings.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • The firm recalls its halcyon pre-crisis years.
  • A halcyon morning lay over the harbor.
  • Popular memory paints the era as halcyon.

Word Origins

Greek myth of Alcyone; "halcyon days" of calm seas around winter solstice, later broadened.

Now used for any remembered golden stretch.

First appearance in English: 16th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: calm

    A profound calm settled on the bay.

  • Adjective: placid

    Placid water reflected the hills.

  • Adjective: pastoral

    A pastoral scene framed the picnic.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: idílico / plácido
  • French: halcyon (litt.) / serein
  • German: friedvoll / idyllisch
  • Italian: idilliaco / sereno
  • Portuguese: idílico / sereno

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Arcadian

Rustic ideal; halcyon emphasizes serene time.

Elysian

Heavenly bliss; halcyon is earthly and calm.

Pacific

Peaceful, especially of seas; near-literal.

Fun Facts

  • Kingfishers (genus Halcyon) share the mythic name.
  • "Halcyon days" once referred to midwinter, not summer.

Cultural Usage

  • Alcyone's grief stilled the winds: "halcyon days."
  • Albums titled "Halcyon" trade on nostalgic calm.

Common Mistakes

Not "hacksaw" or "halogen"; check spelling.

Micro Story

They spent halcyon afternoons under the plane trees.