shaman

noun

sha·​man ˈshä-mən How to pronounce shaman (audio)
ˈshā-,
 also  shə-ˈmän
plural shamans
1
: a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events
2
: one who resembles a shaman
especially : high priest sense 3
shamanic
shə-ˈma-nik How to pronounce shaman (audio)
-ˈmä-
adjective

Examples of shaman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Think clergy and bereavement committees, and among Indigenous groups, shamans or medicine women. Jasper Davidoff, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 May 2024 No beer cozies, but for those manifesting a presidential run, there were plenty of shaman 2024 bumper stickers. Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024 After less than a year of dating, they were married by a Ute Indian shaman on New Year's Eve 2000, at the Old Snowmass, Colorado, home of Hudson's mother, Goldie Hawn. Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024 At least that's how Roots drummer, Oscar-winner, and noted hip hop shaman Questlove sees it. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for shaman 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shaman.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) šamān

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaman was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near shaman

Cite this Entry

“Shaman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaman. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on shaman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!