talisman
noun
tal·is·man
ˈta-ləs-mən 
-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
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."
Synonyms
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
Neymar, the talisman for the whole enterprise, was tarred with the same brush.
—
Jack Lang, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
The film’s second half goes in for horror-movie shock effects when the ghost of a white nemesis haunts the Charles family — bringing back the terrors of slavery — and the talisman piano becomes an instrument of exorcism.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
For ancient Druids, Celts, and Romans, holly’s evergreen leaves were a talisman of hope for spring's return.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024
Rooney was also hampered by injuries to key personnel, including to his captain, Joe Edwards, Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Conor Hazard and forwards Morgan Whittaker — an attacking talisman who has attracted interest from other Championship clubs — Ibrahim Cissoko and Muhamed Tijani.
—Richard Amofa, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
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Jack Lang, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
The film’s second half goes in for horror-movie shock effects when the ghost of a white nemesis haunts the Charles family — bringing back the terrors of slavery — and the talisman piano becomes an instrument of exorcism.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
For ancient Druids, Celts, and Romans, holly’s evergreen leaves were a talisman of hope for spring's return.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024
Rooney was also hampered by injuries to key personnel, including to his captain, Joe Edwards, Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Conor Hazard and forwards Morgan Whittaker — an attacking talisman who has attracted interest from other Championship clubs — Ibrahim Cissoko and Muhamed Tijani.
—Richard Amofa, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for talisman
Dictionary Entries Near talisman
Cite this Entry
“Talisman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talisman. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
talisman
noun
tal·is·man
ˈtal-ə-smən
-əz-mən
plural talismans
: a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : charm
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