shaman

noun

sha·​man ˈshä-mən How to pronounce shaman (audio)
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 How to pronounce shaman (audio)
-ˈmä-
adjective

Examples of shaman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Traditionally, shamans were overwhelmingly female—women with strong personalities but from poor backgrounds and with little or no formal education. Katharine H.s. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2016 My experience has not only deepened my understanding of myself, but also inspired me to extend my practice with new partnerships and collaborations with experienced therapists, shamans and wellness practitioners. Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2024 Strader and Tran had their final date that included a Hawaiian spiritual ceremony and Strader giving her a meaningful green stone that a shaman had given him during their first one-on-one. Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 2024 Requesting divination from a shaman gave ordinary women, too, a chance for psychological release. Katharine H.s. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2016 See all Example Sentences for shaman 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shaman.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) šamān

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaman was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near shaman

Cite this Entry

“Shaman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaman. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

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