mumbo jumbo

noun

mum·​bo jum·​bo ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-(ˌ)bō 

1

: an object of superstitious homage and fear

2

a

: a complicated often ritualistic observance with elaborate trappings

b

: complicated activity or language usually intended to obscure and confuse

3

: unnecessarily involved and incomprehensible language : gibberish

4

: language, behavior, or beliefs based on superstition

Synonyms

• nonsense
• babble
• double Dutch
• prattle
• chatter
• jabber
• gabble
• gibber
• blah

Examples of mumbo jumbo in a Sentence

We were confused by all the legal mumbo jumbo.

His explanation was just a lot of mumbo jumbo.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the familiar mumbo jumbo that Hollywood loves to attach to surfing, to highlight the metaphysical connection that surfers have to the waves, the ocean, and maybe even the cosmos. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 4 Mar. 2025

Trying to decode that spirit's mystical mumbo jumbo into actionable intelligence is a key part of your effort against the Dreamscourge. —Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025

After being attacked by a lion on safari in Ghana, he’s given a mystical botanical serum mixed with lion’s blood and some mumbo jumbo about a tarot card. —Mark Kennedy, Boston Herald, 13 Dec. 2024

Strong actors also can’t prop up a script built out of barely penetrable mumbo jumbo. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Mumbo Jumbo, a masked figure among Mandingo peoples of western Africa

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mumbo jumbo

• columbo
• gumbo

Kids Definition

mumbo jumbo

noun

mum·​bo jum·​bo ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-bō 

1

: a complicated ceremony

2

: confusing or meaningless talk or activity