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
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
The charms are metallic versions of seeds including samara, clover and poppy, but inside the bag is a transparent acrylic drop containing an actual dandelion egret, designed to work like a talisman.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024
But the question England has to ask itself is whether building the team around a talisman in his thirties makes sense.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by Louise Bourgeois’ spider sculpture seemingly floating on a lake, standing guard like a talisman, while a giant Damien Hirst anatomical sculpture stands like a sentry at the entrance.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for talisman 
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Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024
The charms are metallic versions of seeds including samara, clover and poppy, but inside the bag is a transparent acrylic drop containing an actual dandelion egret, designed to work like a talisman.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024
But the question England has to ask itself is whether building the team around a talisman in his thirties makes sense.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by Louise Bourgeois’ spider sculpture seemingly floating on a lake, standing guard like a talisman, while a giant Damien Hirst anatomical sculpture stands like a sentry at the entrance.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 25 Sep. 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 14 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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