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

Along the way, travelers will meet local shamans, experience traditional llanero (cowboy) culture, and be led by a Mayan spiritual guide and archaeologist. —Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026

The twice-weekly two-hour temazcal experience, led by a local Mayan shaman, guides participants through an ancestral purification ritual focused on physical and spiritual detoxification. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The shamans gathered by the sea on Herradura Beach in the Chorrillos district in Lima, Peru's capital, holding up posters of the two candidates. —ABC News, 1 June 2026

In 2024, horror film Exhuma—which is about a group of shamans working to quell a violent and vengeful spirit—became a breakout hit in Korea and internationally. —Kayti Burt, Time, 24 Apr. 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