shaman

noun

sha·​man ˈshä-mən 

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 

-ˈmä-

adjective

Examples of shaman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, sight would be more important for someone making a living as a hunter than as a shaman. —Daniel Sznycer, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

In 2008, diva shaman Erykah Badu came out with her third studio album, New Amerykah, Part One: 4th World War, a rumination on the American Dream’s failures for Black people. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024

Tulum, long synonymous with boho-chic aesthetics and beach clubs packed with the beautiful and well-to-do, has in recent years earned a less-than-flattering reputation—a paradise turned touristy gimmick, its very real magic dimmed by faux shamans and heinously overpriced plates of fruit. —Rai Mincey, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Police are investigating a shaman’s involvement in the incident. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) šamān

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1