amulet

noun

am·​u·​let ˈam-yə-lət How to pronounce amulet (audio)
: a charm (such as an ornament) often inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol to aid the wearer or protect against evil (such as disease or witchcraft)

Examples of amulet in a Sentence

a small cross made of goat bone was worn in the Middle Ages as an amulet to ward off evil
Recent Examples on the Web Such beliefs led to a widespread use of protective amulets among many ancient cultures. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Accessories were in abundance, from feather sandals to classic biker boots and then knitted bags, leather buckets and small amulets of semi-precious stones designed especially for the show by Milne Watson. Pino Gagliardi, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 Their reliability in these roles was so well-regarded that many ancient Mesopotamians carried around amulets and figurines of dogs, including the almost 3,000-year-old figurine pictured above, as articles of personal protection and as tokens of health and healing. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024 Then the body was wrapped in several layers of linen cloth, with amulets placed within those layers to protect the deceased from evil. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2023 These depictions ranged from predynastic statues to wall paintings, amulets, and statues — a tradition spanning 3,000 years. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Among the dead, researchers found gold necklaces and earrings, terracotta pottery, precious stones, coins, glasses, amulets and silver rings decorated with amber and engraved initials. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024 In addition, players can purchase upgrades for Sargon’s weapons and acquire amulets that offer perks to different stats and powers. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2024 The boutique Juju Mood offers charms, bangles, stylish amulets; Atelier Rebul, a heritage cosmetics company dating to 1895, specializes in luxurious candles and fragrances. Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023

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

borrowed from Latin amulētum, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amulet was in 1584

Dictionary Entries Near amulet

Cite this Entry

“Amulet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amulet. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amulet

noun
am·​u·​let ˈam-yə-lət How to pronounce amulet (audio)
: a small object worn as a charm against evil

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