talisman
noun
tal·is·man
ˈta-ləs-mən 
-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
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."
Synonyms
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
If the talisman falls, or if someone inside the home opens a window or door and lets the monsters inside, that protection breaks.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
Emerging from a need for an artistic outlet during a time of loss, the totems became symbolic talismans of her own transformation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024
The charms are metallic versions of seeds including samara, clover and poppy, but inside the bag is a transparent acrylic drop containing an actual dandelion egret, designed to work like a talisman.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024
But the question England has to ask itself is whether building the team around a talisman in his thirties makes sense.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for talisman 
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
Emerging from a need for an artistic outlet during a time of loss, the totems became symbolic talismans of her own transformation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024
The charms are metallic versions of seeds including samara, clover and poppy, but inside the bag is a transparent acrylic drop containing an actual dandelion egret, designed to work like a talisman.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024
But the question England has to ask itself is whether building the team around a talisman in his thirties makes sense.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for talisman
Dictionary Entries Near talisman
Cite this Entry
“Talisman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talisman. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
talisman
noun
tal·is·man
ˈtal-ə-smən
-əz-mən
plural talismans
: a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : charm
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