talisman

noun

tal·​is·​man ˈta-ləs-mən How to pronounce talisman (audio)
-ləz-
plural talismans
1
: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune
2
: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects
talismanic adjective
talismanically adverb

Did you know?

The English language may have borrowed talisman from French, Spanish, or Italian; all three include similar-looking words for a lucky charm that derive from an Arabic word for a charm, ṭilsam. Ṭilsam traces to ancient Greek telein, which means "to initiate into the mysteries."

Examples of talisman in a Sentence

a pendant of white nephrite jade is often worn by Indians as a talisman to ward off heart disease
Recent Examples on the Web Even the in-house talisman, Jude Bellingham, has been dulled in action. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 29 June 2024 Photo : Ponant/Getty Images Buried Treasure Long considered a talisman for good luck by seafarers the world over, three coins were hidden under each of Le Ponant’s three masts during its build. Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 20 June 2024 From the rising Brazilian talisman who just lifted the Champions League trophy to a certain Argentine icon in the golden years of his career, this summer’s tournament features plenty of stars worth monitoring. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 20 June 2024 The face covering has gone from a talisman to an instrument of terror, and blue states are starting to crack down on it accordingly. Noah Rothman, National Review, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for talisman 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'talisman.' 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

French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano; all from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from telos end — more at telos

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of talisman was in 1638

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Cite this Entry

“Talisman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talisman. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

talisman

noun
tal·​is·​man ˈtal-ə-smən How to pronounce talisman (audio)
-əz-mən
plural talismans
: a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : charm

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