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."
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
During his Vanguard set, Moran at one point paused to hold up a talisman.
—
Elizabeth Alexander, Time, 1 Apr. 2025
Brianna takes a picture of the shell on the beach, then holds it in her hand, staring as if at a talisman.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
The motif has been used in jewelry throughout history, including as talismans in Ancient Egypt, a symbol of faith among early Christians, a decorative element in Renaissance creations and a common theme in African tribal jewelry.
—Melanie Abrams, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Whereas, at Tottenham Hotspur, a perennial talisman is coming up short.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for talisman
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Elizabeth Alexander, Time, 1 Apr. 2025
Brianna takes a picture of the shell on the beach, then holds it in her hand, staring as if at a talisman.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
The motif has been used in jewelry throughout history, including as talismans in Ancient Egypt, a symbol of faith among early Christians, a decorative element in Renaissance creations and a common theme in African tribal jewelry.
—Melanie Abrams, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Whereas, at Tottenham Hotspur, a perennial talisman is coming up short.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for talisman
Cite this Entry
“Talisman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talisman. Accessed 16 Apr. 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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