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
Did you know?
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
Where ancient midwives had summoned divine assistance by uttering incantations, medieval maternity caregivers called upon saintly mothers by reciting rhythmical charms.
—
Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
The Canadian songwriter draws from gothic Americana, psychedelic folk, and ghostly bluegrass on an album of hypnotic ballads that land like incantations.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026
Justin, the believer, is instantly alarmed by how these eerie tapes escalate from cute banter to ghostly crying babies and backward incantations.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
That six-word sentence, equal parts civic pride and audacity, has become the incantation at the center of Orlando’s sports history.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incantation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
The Canadian songwriter draws from gothic Americana, psychedelic folk, and ghostly bluegrass on an album of hypnotic ballads that land like incantations.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026
Justin, the believer, is instantly alarmed by how these eerie tapes escalate from cute banter to ghostly crying babies and backward incantations.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
That six-word sentence, equal parts civic pride and audacity, has become the incantation at the center of Orlando’s sports history.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incantation
Cite this Entry
“Incantation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incantation. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incantation
noun
in·can·ta·tion
ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən
: a series of words used to produce a magic spell
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
