evocation

noun

evo·​ca·​tion ˌē-vō-ˈkā-shən 

ˌe-və-

1

: the act or fact of evoking : summoning: such as

a

: the summoning of a spirit

b

: imaginative recreation

an evocation of the past

2

: induction sense 3c

evocator

ˈē-vō-ˌkā-tər 

ˈe-və-

noun

Examples of evocation in a Sentence

rich evocations of the sights, sounds, and smells of the carnival

the evocation of a simpler time

Recent Examples on the Web

The curatorial choice to break apart the photographic series in favor of poetic and formal tensions reinforces the idea of photography not as description, but as evocation; not as affirmation, but as inquiry. —Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 14 May 2025

This social justice kitsch becomes a mildly obscene evocation of racial terrorism. —Armond White, National Review, 18 Apr. 2025

Most of Soderbergh’s choices aren’t consciously registered by the viewer, but their cumulative effect is impressive in its flawless evocation of classic Hollywood style. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025

Cromer’s constant collaborator, the lighting designer Heather Gilbert, uses her trademark practical lighting, a gorgeous evocation of the era of eyeshades, desk lamps and fizzing bulbs. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin evocation-, evocatio, from evocare

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for evocation

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

Kids Definition

evocation

noun

evo·​ca·​tion ˌē-vō-ˈkā-shən 

ˌev-ə-

: an act or instance of evoking

Medical Definition

evocation

noun

evo·​ca·​tion ˌē-vō-ˈkā-shən  ˌev-ə- 

: induction sense 3b

specifically : initiation of development of a primary embryonic axis