psychic

1 of 2

adjective

psy·​chic ˈsī-kik How to pronounce psychic (audio)
variants or less commonly psychical
1
: of or relating to the psyche : psychogenic
2
: lying outside the sphere of physical science or knowledge : immaterial, moral, or spiritual in origin or force
3
: sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences : marked by extraordinary or mysterious sensitivity, perception, or understanding
psychically adverb

psychic

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a person apparently sensitive to nonphysical forces
2
: psychic phenomena

Examples of psychic in a Sentence

Adjective She claims to be psychic. Noun She claims to be a psychic. a celebrity psychic who managed to convince at least some people that their deceased loved ones were using him to relay messages
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Beyond the look and feel (LOTS of orange decor and side-burns), directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes nailed other era-specific components like the exaggerated way talk show guests present themselves (the psychic! Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025 The city has hosted its Haunted Happenings festival since 1982, with everything from psychic readings and costume balls to ghost tours and magic shows taking place all month long. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
The town, about 25 miles southwest of Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to mediums, psychics and healers, many practicing out of their homes. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025 Think past life regression meditations, tarot and oracle card readings, and even sessions with psychics. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for psychic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek psychikos of the soul, from psychē soul

First Known Use

Adjective

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychic was in 1645

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Cite this Entry

“Psychic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychic. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

psychic

1 of 2 adjective
psy·​chic ˈsī-kik How to pronounce psychic (audio)
variants also psychical
1
: of or relating to the psyche
2
: not physical
especially : not to be explained by knowledge of natural laws
3
: sensitive to influences or forces believed to come from beyond the natural world
psychically adverb

psychic

2 of 2 noun
: a psychic person (as a medium)

Medical Definition

psychic

1 of 2 adjective
psy·​chic ˈsī-kik How to pronounce psychic (audio)
variants also psychical
1
: of or relating to the psyche : psychogenic
2
: sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences
psychically adverb

psychic

2 of 2 noun
: a person apparently sensitive to nonphysical forces

More from Merriam-Webster on psychic

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