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

incantational

ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

incantatory

in-ˈkan-tə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

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.

Synonyms of incantation

• spell
• invocation
• curse

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

As passengers chanted the incantation together, white light flashed through the carriage, and music swelled from the speakers. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

On the title track, a spare arrangement slowly unfurls around James’ voice, its shifting texture and gauzy atmosphere giving his existential musings the quality of a private incantation. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026

Halloween Horror Nights fans will encounter demonic forces when Book of the Dead incantations are read aloud inside the newest Evil Dead haunted house coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 21 July 2026

Circe is able, by means of drugs and incantations, to change humans into wolves, lions, and other animals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English incantacioun, from Middle French incantation, from Late Latin incantation-, incantatio, from Latin incantare to enchant — more at enchant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incantation

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

Kids Definition

incantation

noun

in·​can·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

: a series of words used to produce a magic spell