medicine man

noun

: a person especially among American Indian groups who is believed to possess supernatural powers that can heal illnesses and keep away evil spirits : shaman

Examples of medicine man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout the ceremony's four days of observances and events, the young woman is guided and advised by her medicine man. —Alejandra Rubio, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025

After Nygren's speech, medicine man Lorenzo Max led the march, singing prayers and sharing ancestral stories. —Trilce Estrada Olvera, The Arizona Republic, 3 Aug. 2024

Iron Eyes, a 46-year-old lawyer and Indigenous rights activist, was 9 when a medicine man taught him traditions he’s maintained since, in the wake of the tribe’s annual sun dance ceremony at the park. —Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 26 July 2024

And a Navajo medicine man will teach you about the indigenous population and its traditional practices. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for medicine man

• artilleryman
• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman

Kids Definition

medicine man

noun

: a person especially among members of Indigenous American tribes that is believed to have magic powers that can cure illnesses and keep away evil spirits by potions and charms