witchcraft

noun

witch·​craft ˈwich-ˌkraft 

1

a

: the use of sorcery or magic

b

: communication with the devil or with a familiar

2

: an irresistible influence or fascination

3

a

: rituals and practices that incorporate belief in magic and that are associated especially with neo-pagan traditions and religions (such as Wicca)

Practitioners of Wicca … use the tools … such as the broom (a purifying symbol), the wand, candles, crystals and the knife. … They refer to their practices as witchcraft …

—Lesley Wright

b

or less commonly Witchcraft : a tradition or religion that involves the practice of witchcraft

Feminist witchcraft sees women's oppression and environmental abuse, which they argue are intimately linked, as firmly rooted in patriarchal religions.

—Wendy Griffin

Wicca, which emerged in the 1940s in England, is the original form of modern Pagan Witchcraft.

—Meg Yardley

Synonyms of witchcraft

• sorcery
• magic

Examples of witchcraft in a Sentence

taught all of her daughters witchcraft

Recent Examples on the Web

She was regarded as the female Christ by her followers but accused of witchcraft by outsiders. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

Pay multiple people from the crafts site Etsy to perform tarot readings, lift any existing curses and otherwise engage in witchcraft. —Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026

This iteration was notably surreal, what with the goopy-faced woman, cartoonish DIY bomb, and witchcraft unlocking true love’s kiss. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026

The movie follows Pastor Hélder, who, as his faith wanes, turns to witchcraft and sacrifice to reclaim it. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for witchcraft

• abaft
• aircraft
• camshaft
• crankshaft
• downdraft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft
• schoolcraft
• spacecraft
• stagecraft
• statecraft

Kids Definition

witchcraft

noun

witch·​craft -ˌkraft 

: the use of sorcery or magic