shaman

noun

sha·​man ˈshä-mən How to pronounce shaman (audio)
ˈshā-,
 also  shə-ˈmän
plural shamans
1
: a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events
2
: one who resembles a shaman
especially : high priest sense 3
shamanic
shə-ˈma-nik How to pronounce shaman (audio)
-ˈmä-
adjective

Examples of shaman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The people, fearful, went to the shaman, and despite the initial distrust, more masked spirits appeared, transforming the sadness into joy. Arath Zumaya Muñoz, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024 Playing as characters like a MAGA grandma, a QAnon shaman, or a pink-haired rockstar, participants work their way around the board collecting ballots, aiming to get enough to make it up the golden ladder to join Donald Trump on his helicopter. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2024 Sleep is effectively a two-hander, with guest appearances from Soo-jin’s mother, a shaman, and the single mother who moves in downstairs. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024 Pansori began to be recognized as a form of entertainment in the 17th century when it was performed by shamans and street performers. Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shaman 

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) šamān

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaman was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near shaman

Cite this Entry

“Shaman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaman. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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