divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
1
: the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2
: unusual insight : intuitive perception
divinatory
də-ˈvi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce divination (audio)
də-ˈvī-nə-
ˈdi-və-nə-
adjective

Examples of divination in a Sentence

the art of reading tea leaves and other forms of divination if her powers of divination are so great, why doesn't she know what the stock market will do?
Recent Examples on the Web Contributor Astrology and numerology are two ancient divination arts that have been practiced for centuries throughout human civilization. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023 Seeking refuge in the hazy realm of spiritual concoction is as old as uncertainty itself, and this show’s 10 artists look for solace with such mystic tools as healing earth, witches’ brooms, divination, and, yes, AI, to name a few. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023 Tarot reading is the centuries-old practice of using a 78-card deck as a tool of divination—that is, the art or practice of discovering hidden knowledge or unusual insight through divine messages. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 19 July 2022 Both arts of divination can explain the strengths, weaknesses, and destinies of individuals. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023 There are workshops on beekeeping, welding, wound care, tax avoidance, homeschooling, natural birth, growing mushrooms, divination, and gun etiquette. Annalisa Quinn, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Aug. 2023 At other hubs, there are workshops on beekeeping, welding, wound care, tax avoidance, homeschooling, natural birth, growing mushrooms, divination, and gun etiquette. Annalisa Quinn, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Aug. 2023 Historians don’t know the exact origins of the zodiac signs or the practice of astrology (divination based on the movement of the stars). Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2023 Like me, Dore uses tarot not as a form of fortunetelling or divination but as a way to better understand ourselves and live in alignment with our values. Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2023 See More

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

Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare — see divine entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of divination was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near divination

Cite this Entry

“Divination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divination. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

divination

noun
div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
: the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future

More from Merriam-Webster on divination

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