medicine man

noun

: a person especially among American Indian groups who is believed to possess supernatural powers that can heal illnesses and keep away evil spirits : shaman

Examples of medicine man in a Sentence

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.
To today's ear, the elixirs, potions and tonics sold at Haag sound like a traveling medicine man’s inventory: Swamp root, Danderine, Sloan’s Liniment, Catarrh Jelly, Wine of Cardue. Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The dance began a century ago when an Ojibwe medicine man’s granddaughter fell sick. Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Throughout the ceremony's four days of observances and events, the young woman is guided and advised by her medicine man. Alejandra Rubio, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025 After Nygren's speech, medicine man Lorenzo Max led the march, singing prayers and sharing ancestral stories. Trilce Estrada Olvera, The Arizona Republic, 3 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for medicine man

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of medicine man was in 1801

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Cite this Entry

“Medicine man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medicine%20man. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

medicine man

noun
: a person especially among members of Indigenous American tribes that is believed to have magic powers that can cure illnesses and keep away evil spirits by potions and charms
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