amulet

noun

am·​u·​let ˈam-yə-lət 

: 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)

Synonyms

• charm
• fetish
• fetich
• mascot
• mojo
• periapt
• phylactery
• talisman

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

There are also equippable amulets that offer passive and combo-specific bonuses. —Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 14 June 2025

Signature brand pieces include amulets, angels, royal blue moonstones and more. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025

Over the centuries, the ash preserved the remains of the family, the wooden bed frame and other items, including a bronze amulet known as a bulla and a stash of amphorae filled with garum, a popular Roman fish sauce. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025

Among them were amulets and a sculpture of a king from the Ptolemaic dynasty more than 2,000 years ago. —James Barron, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin amulētum, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

amulet

noun

am·​u·​let ˈam-yə-lət 

: a small object worn as a charm against evil