manitou

noun

man·​i·​tou ˈma-nə-ˌtü How to pronounce manitou (audio)
variants or manitu or less commonly manito
: a supernatural force that according to an Algonquian conception pervades the natural world

Examples of manitou in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Straub actually does something like that in Ghost Story—the monster, the manitou figure in Ghost Story, is another kind of a mirror, another kind of reflector. Geek's Guide To The Galaxy, WIRED, 23 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manitou.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Ojibwa manito·

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manitou was in 1643

Dictionary Entries Near manitou

Cite this Entry

“Manitou.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manitou. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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