incantation
noun
in·can·ta·tion
ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 
: a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic
also
: a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect
Did you know?
Incantation comes directly from the Latin word incantare, "enchant". Incantare itself has cantare as a root, which reminds us that magic and ritual have always been associated with chanting and music. Incantations have often been in strange languages; "Abracadabra" is a not-so-serious version of an incantation.
Examples of incantation in a Sentence
trying to produce a miracle by incantation
hovering over the sick child, the witch doctor muttered mysterious incantations
Recent Examples on the Web
Then, in what might be one of the most fitting metaphors of parenting and family-building in horror-comedy history, everyone—Rohan, Josh, their parents, their partner's parents, and even their friend—start screaming the same garbled Latin incantation in an effort to confuse the demon.
—
Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Alice draws a circle around Lilia uttering some sort of incantation as Patti LuPone’s witch writhes on the floor in her glittery jump suit and orange coat.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024
Instead, the government simply repeats its incantation of a need to modernize the system and uncover fraud.
—Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
The story ends in the village of Hammondsport, where Drew was killed, with a kind of incantation of the cycle of life on Keuka Lake.
—Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incantation
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.
Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Alice draws a circle around Lilia uttering some sort of incantation as Patti LuPone’s witch writhes on the floor in her glittery jump suit and orange coat.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024
Instead, the government simply repeats its incantation of a need to modernize the system and uncover fraud.
—Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
The story ends in the village of Hammondsport, where Drew was killed, with a kind of incantation of the cycle of life on Keuka Lake.
—Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incantation
Cite this Entry
“Incantation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incantation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incantation
noun
in·can·ta·tion
ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən
: a series of words used to produce a magic spell
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share