SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

juju

noun (1)
Save Word
ju·​ju | \ ˈjü-(ˌ)jü How to pronounce juju (audio) \

Definition of juju

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a fetish, charm, or amulet of West African peoples
2 : the magic attributed to or associated with jujus

juju

noun (2)

Definition of juju (Entry 2 of 2)

: a style of West African music that is characterized by a rapid beat, the use of percussion instruments, and vocal harmonies

First Known Use of juju

Noun (1)

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1982, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for juju

Noun (1)

of W. African origin; akin to the source of Hausa jùju fetish

Noun (2)

Yoruba jújù

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about juju

Statistics for juju

Cite this Entry

“Juju.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juju. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

More from Merriam-Webster on juju

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for juju

Comments on juju

What made you want to look up juju? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

turbid

Listen to the pronunciation of turbid

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games