weird sisters: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, in Shakespeare's Macbeth, 'Weird Sisters' is another name for the Three Witches. 'Weird' here comes from the Old English 'wyrd', meaning 'fate', highlighting their role as agents of destiny.

It is not recommended for neutral description. The term carries strong literary, supernatural, or critical connotations. Using it for ordinary friends would likely be perceived as either a literary joke or an insult, suggesting they are odd, clique-ish, or sinister.

Almost never in standard usage. The power and identity of the figures come from their trio. Referring to one would be like referring to 'a Fate' instead of 'the Fates'—possible in a very specific analytical context, but highly atypical.

A 'coven' is a general term for a gathering of witches, which can be any size. 'Weird sisters' specifically denotes a trio and is inextricably linked to the Shakespearean archetype and, by extension, the mythological Fates. All weird sisters could be a coven, but not all covens are weird sisters.

The three witches (also called the Three Witches or Weird Sisters) in Shakespeare's play Macbeth.

Weird sisters is usually literary, historical; sometimes used in critical, humorous, or journalistic contexts. in register.

Weird sisters: in British English it is pronounced /ˌwɪəd ˈsɪs.təz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌwɪrd ˈsɪs.tɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.