incantation
noun
in·can·ta·tion
ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 
: a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic
also
: a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect
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Incantation comes directly from the Latin word incantare, "enchant". Incantare itself has cantare as a root, which reminds us that magic and ritual have always been associated with chanting and music. Incantations have often been in strange languages; "Abracadabra" is a not-so-serious version of an incantation.
Examples of incantation in a Sentence
trying to produce a miracle by incantation
hovering over the sick child, the witch doctor muttered mysterious incantations
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s a little bit of mystery with the spirits, incantations and rituals.
—
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
How to turn a human into a statistic, an alien, an enemy combatant–transformations worked not through incantation, but through the movement of paper in government offices.
—Celia Bell
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Then, in what might be one of the most fitting metaphors of parenting and family-building in horror-comedy history, everyone—Rohan, Josh, their parents, their partner's parents, and even their friend—start screaming the same garbled Latin incantation in an effort to confuse the demon.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Instead, the government simply repeats its incantation of a need to modernize the system and uncover fraud.
—Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incantation
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Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
How to turn a human into a statistic, an alien, an enemy combatant–transformations worked not through incantation, but through the movement of paper in government offices.
—Celia Bell
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Then, in what might be one of the most fitting metaphors of parenting and family-building in horror-comedy history, everyone—Rohan, Josh, their parents, their partner's parents, and even their friend—start screaming the same garbled Latin incantation in an effort to confuse the demon.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Instead, the government simply repeats its incantation of a need to modernize the system and uncover fraud.
—Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incantation
Cite this Entry
“Incantation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incantation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incantation
noun
in·can·ta·tion
ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən
: a series of words used to produce a magic spell
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