1. plural of witch; people, especially women, believed to have magical powers and practice sorcery
Usage: often associated with folklore and fairy tales
2. plural of witch; practitioners of Wicca or other modern pagan religions
Usage: modern religious context
3. plural of witch; unpleasant or spiteful women
Usage: informal; potentially offensive

Examples

• The children dressed as witches for Halloween.
• Medieval witches were often persecuted during the witch trials.
• Modern witches practice herbalism and nature-based spirituality.
• The fairy tale featured three witches brewing a magical potion.
• She studies the history of accused witches in Salem.
• The coven of witches gathered under the full moon.
• Many innocent women were wrongly accused of being witches.