In 'Macbeth', what are the three witches called?

In 'Macbeth', the three witches are called the Weird Sisters. They first appear amid thunder and lightning, establish an ominous atmosphere, and later deliver prophecies that profoundly influence Macbeth and Banquo.

The name comes from the idea of “weird” as connected with fate or destiny, rather than merely strange or frightening. Shakespeare's wording is related to the Weird Sisters described in Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles, one of his main historical sources for Macbeth. In the First Folio, the spelling is often given as “weyward,” while modern editions commonly use “weird.”

The sisters are also called the Three Witches, but that is a descriptive label rather than the play's most distinctive canonical name. They predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and king, while Banquo will father a line of kings. Their ambiguous prophecies encourage Macbeth's ambition, yet the play leaves open whether they cause his downfall or merely exploit choices he was already willing to make.