talisman

noun

tal·​is·​man ˈta-ləs-mən How to pronounce talisman (audio)
-ləz-
plural talismans
1
: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune
2
: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects
talismanic adjective
talismanically adverb

Did you know?

The English language may have borrowed talisman from French, Spanish, or Italian; all three include similar-looking words for a lucky charm that derive from an Arabic word for a charm, ṭilsam. Ṭilsam traces to ancient Greek telein, which means "to initiate into the mysteries."

Examples of talisman in a Sentence

a pendant of white nephrite jade is often worn by Indians as a talisman to ward off heart disease
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.
If the talisman falls, or if someone inside the home opens a window or door and lets the monsters inside, that protection breaks. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 Emerging from a need for an artistic outlet during a time of loss, the totems became symbolic talismans of her own transformation. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024 The charms are metallic versions of seeds including samara, clover and poppy, but inside the bag is a transparent acrylic drop containing an actual dandelion egret, designed to work like a talisman. Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024 But the question England has to ask itself is whether building the team around a talisman in his thirties makes sense. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for talisman 

Word History

Etymology

French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano; all from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from telos end — more at telos

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of talisman was in 1638

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near talisman

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

talisman

noun
tal·​is·​man ˈtal-ə-smən How to pronounce talisman (audio)
-əz-mən
plural talismans
: a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : charm

More from Merriam-Webster on talisman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!