voodoo

1 of 3

noun

voo·​doo ˈvü-(ˌ)dü How to pronounce voodoo (audio)
plural voodoos
1
or less commonly vodou : a religion that is derived from African polytheism and ancestor worship and is practiced chiefly in Haiti
2
a
: a person who deals in spells and necromancy
b(1)
: a sorcerer's spell : hex
(2)
: a hexed object : charm

voodoo

2 of 3

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or practicing voodoo
voodoo rituals
2
: based on highly improbable suppositions : extremely implausible or unrealistic
voodoo economics

voodoo

3 of 3

verb

voodooed; voodooing; voodoos

transitive verb

: to bewitch by or as if by means of voodoo : hex

Examples of voodoo in a Sentence

Noun found a voodoo who was willing to put a hex on the man who had jilted her
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
New Orleans, Louisiana Known for its supernatural roots and connection to voodoo, New Orleans takes Halloween celebrations to the next level. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 Visitors can also take part in a number of haunted tours that explore the city’s many ghost stories, visit infamous locations like the LaLaurie Mansion, or join a voodoo ritual to get in touch with New Orleans’ mystical side. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
Adjective
The mother goes to a voodoo master who tries to perform a ‘cutting destiny’ ritual for the relationship. Sara Merican, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2024 Plus, Jodie Turner-Smith is positively entrancing as a voodoo priestess whose ancient curses might flip this entire story on its head. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 13 Aug. 2024
Verb
Despite his clearly enjoying killing people for personal reasons, the movie’s Kraven seems to think of himself as a kind of antihero, which voodoo practitioner Calypso (Ariana DeBose) rightfully clocks as a red flag. Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 20 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for voodoo 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'voodoo.' 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

Noun

Louisiana Creole voudou, probably from Ewe vódũ tutelary deity

First Known Use

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of voodoo was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near voodoo

Cite this Entry

“Voodoo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voodoo. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

voodoo

noun
voo·​doo
ˈvüd-ü
plural voodoos
1
: a religion that is based on African ancestor worship and practiced chiefly in Haiti
2
: a person who deals in spells and magic
voodoo adjective
Etymology

Noun

from Louisiana French voudou "voodoo"; of African origin

More from Merriam-Webster on voodoo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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