unicorns

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Mythical horse-like creatures with a single horn on the forehead, often appearing in stories and legends.

   Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is 'unicorn'. Use it when talking about more than one such creature.

   Patterns

   • a herd of unicorns
   • mythical unicorns
   • see a unicorn

   The children's book featured a magical land full of unicorns and dragons.

   In many fantasy games, players can ride unicorns as mounts.

   She collects figurines of unicorns and other mythical beasts.

2. 2nounpluralbusinessinformal

   Startup companies valued at over one billion dollars, especially in the technology sector.

   Grammar: Used in business and finance contexts. The singular 'unicorn' refers to one such company.

   Patterns

   • tech unicorns
   • join the unicorn club
   • a list of unicorns

   Investors are always searching for the next unicorns in Silicon Valley.

   The startup became one of the few unicorns in the healthcare industry.

   Many unicorns struggle to maintain their high valuations after going public.

Word forms

Common combinations

mythical unicorns

The tapestry depicted a forest filled with mythical unicorns.

tech unicorns

Tech unicorns often attract massive venture capital funding.

a herd of unicorns

In the story, a herd of unicorns galloped across the meadow.

unicorn startup

The founders hoped their unicorn startup would revolutionize transportation.

Synonyms and how they differ

monoceros

A less common term for a unicorn-like creature, mostly used in scientific or historical contexts.

Word family

unicorn noun

The singular form, referring to one such mythical creature or startup.

Commonly confused: unicorns or unicycle?

Practice

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