shaman

noun

sha·​man ˈshä-mən 

ˈshā-

also shə-ˈmän

plural shamans

1

: a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events

2

: one who resembles a shaman

especially : high priest sense 3

shamanic

shə-ˈma-nik 

-ˈmä-

adjective

Examples of shaman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The long history of psychedelics and religion is filled with scientists, anthropologists, mystics, shamans, outlaws, and prophets, but these two men are, more than any others, the patron saints of our current psychedelic revival. — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Upon arrival, the girls find a community of ravers and psychedelic rockers, romantics and orgiastics, shamans who serve as doctors, and poets who believe themselves to be prophets. — Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Sci-fi blends with folklore as shamans stand in fields to anoint the new drone gods. — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Märtha Louise, who was previously married for 14 years, in 2024 wed Durek Verrett, an American who describes himself as a shaman and a healer on his website. — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) šamān

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shaman

• cayman
• daimon
• damon
• haman
• layman
• laymen
• maimon
• stamen
• wayman
• yamen
• zaman
• cyclamen