vision quest

noun

plural vision quests
: a solitary vigil performed by an Indigenous American person to seek contact with and guidance or protection from a guardian spirit (such as a spirit animal)
especially : such a vigil performed by a youth as a coming-of-age rite

Examples of vision quest in a Sentence

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.
But when the vision quest fizzles out, many organizations are left with a colorful statement on their break room walls. Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 But the standout performance here is Charli xcx as Bethany, channeling her party girl persona into a character who approaches her wanderings as an introspective vision quest, searching for a deeper truth within herself. Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025 In the midst of this, Mr. Newsom has used a podcast to embark on a political vision quest. Laurel Rosenhall, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 But going in the room and having that humiliating experience of auditioning for somebody, that’s a vision quest. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vision quest

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vision quest was in 1922

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Cite this Entry

“Vision quest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vision%20quest. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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