evocation

noun

evo·​ca·​tion ˌē-vō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce evocation (audio)
ˌe-və-
1
: the act or fact of evoking : summoning: such as
a
: the summoning of a spirit
b
: imaginative recreation
an evocation of the past
2
evocator noun

Examples of evocation in a Sentence

rich evocations of the sights, sounds, and smells of the carnival the evocation of a simpler time
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This social justice kitsch becomes a mildly obscene evocation of racial terrorism. Armond White, National Review, 18 Apr. 2025 Most of Soderbergh’s choices aren’t consciously registered by the viewer, but their cumulative effect is impressive in its flawless evocation of classic Hollywood style. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025 Cromer’s constant collaborator, the lighting designer Heather Gilbert, uses her trademark practical lighting, a gorgeous evocation of the era of eyeshades, desk lamps and fizzing bulbs. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 As poor, lost, beautiful Dorian becomes more and more shallow and cruel—with only the portrait locked away in his attic reflecting the decay of his body and soul—Williams and Snook together locate Wilde’s evocation of a particularly insidious kind of societal cancer. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evocation

Word History

Etymology

Latin evocation-, evocatio, from evocare

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evocation was in 1633

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Cite this Entry

“Evocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evocation. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

evocation

noun
evo·​ca·​tion ˌē-vō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce evocation (audio)
ˌev-ə-
: an act or instance of evoking

Medical Definition

evocation

noun
evo·​ca·​tion ˌē-vō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce evocation (audio) ˌev-ə- How to pronounce evocation (audio)
: induction sense 3b
specifically : initiation of development of a primary embryonic axis

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