: a fictitious narrative or statement: such as
a
: a legendary story of supernatural happenings
Minerva is in fables said, from Jove without a mother to proceed—
Sir John Davies
Sir John Davies
b
: a narration intended to enforce a useful truth
especially
: one in which animals speak and act like human beings
The theme of the fable was the folly of human vanity.
Synonyms
Examples of fable in a Sentence
Noun
a fable about busy ants
The story that he won the battle single-handedly is a mere fable.
He combines fact and fable to make a more interesting story.
Recent Examples on the WebBrian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
From paintings on ancient cave walls to parables, fables, and memes, animals have served as important storytelling tools.
—Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024
Bill McGraw, Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fable 
Noun
Where to watch: Max ‘Tuesday’ In the offbeat suburban fable, Death comes to a terminally ill teen (Lola Petticrew) in the form of a size-changing talking macaw.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
From paintings on ancient cave walls to parables, fables, and memes, animals have served as important storytelling tools.
—Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
Tony was also a player in Swinging London, fabled for his charm, smarts, skill, energy, philanthropic causes, good looks, gift of gab, circle of hip friends and extramarital love affairs.
—Bill McGraw, Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fable
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fable
Cite this Entry
“Fable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fable. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
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