zeitgeist
noun
ˈzīt-
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Scholars have long maintained that each era has a unique spirit, a nature or climate that sets it apart from all others. In German, such a spirit is known as Zeitgeist, from the German words Zeit, meaning "time," and Geist, meaning "spirit" or "ghost." (This same Geist, when combined with poltern, meaning "to knock," led to the English word poltergeist referring to a noisy ghost.) It is common nowadays to read about something "tapping into" or "capturing" the zeitgeist, as doing so often entails popularity or profitability in appealing to a great many people, though sometimes the zeitgeist of a particular time and place is only recognized in hindsight, either due to nostalgia or with the benefit of (one hopes) greater wisdom.
Examples of zeitgeist in a Sentence
Christina Dugan Ramirez, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
For now, a growing tension persists in the zeitgeist.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Cumming is a versatile performer who has won two Emmys including most recently for hosting Peacock’s The Traitors, which has been a smash hit in the States and placed the Scot firmly back in the cultural zeitgeist.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2025
While the court will make its decision on legal grounds, Torres’ place in the spotlight and her willingness to speak out against right-wing agendas could intensify the political zeitgeist in ways that subtly inform the decision.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zeitgeist
Cite this Entry
“Zeitgeist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zeitgeist. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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