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
Argentina didn’t excel in either encounter, at times talisman Lionel Messi looked lost and frustrated and the team in general performed under par.
—
Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Argentina will begin their World Cup qualification campaign without talisman Lionel Messi, who has been ruled out due to the ligament damage sustained in the Copa America final
The Athletic’s Michael Walker spent the Premier League’s opening weekend taking in four games in four days.
—Ali Rampling, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for talisman 
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Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Argentina will begin their World Cup qualification campaign without talisman Lionel Messi, who has been ruled out due to the ligament damage sustained in the Copa America final
The Athletic’s Michael Walker spent the Premier League’s opening weekend taking in four games in four days.
—Ali Rampling, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
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
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 30 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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