divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən 

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 

də-ˈvī-nə-

ˈdi-və-nə-

adjective

Synonyms

• augury

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

As belief in traditional religions decreases and the rise of spirituality and skepticism in traditional institutions continues, this form of divination—looking to cards for answers for future, present, or past events—is on the rise. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025

The team found evidence of four different plants that are associated with ancient Maya medicine and divination rituals. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024

Following her magnificent turn as a Sicilian divination witch in Agatha All Along, Patti LuPone is returning to the small screen for another flashy role. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025

Throughout the bulk of Agatha All Along, LuPone’s divination witch Lilia has been dismissed as, well, a bit batty. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024

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

Rhymes for divination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən 

: the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future