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

talismanic

ˌta-ləs-ˈma-nik 

-ləz-

adjective

talismanically

ˌta-ləs-ˈma-ni-k(ə-)lē 

-ləz-

adverb

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

• amulet
• charm
• fetish
• fetich
• mascot
• mojo
• periapt
• phylactery

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

It is seen as a talisman of abundance, fertility, and eternity. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

The Blue Devils dominated the glass 43-30, and their long perimeter defenders limited Wildcat talisman Caleb Love to a poor 3-of-13 shooting night, including 1-of-9 from deep. —Jim Root, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Since their talisman injured himself, Arsenal now rank eighth for the same statistic. —Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025

Khepri Jewels creates modern-day talismans that inspire free expression through precious metals and gems. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano; all from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from telos end — more at telos

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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