noun
abracadabra
ab-ruh-kuh-DAB-ruh
Abracadabra (noun) means a magic word traditionally chanted as part of a spell or charm. Example: “The old charm was said to work only if you whispered abracadabra three times.”
noun
1
A magic word traditionally chanted as part of a spell or charm.
"The old charm was said to work only if you whispered abracadabra three times."
2
Confusing, jargon-heavy talk that sounds like nonsense to an outsider.
"The contract was full of legal abracadabra I couldn't follow."
intj
1
Said dramatically to mark the moment a magic trick is complete.
"The magician waved his wand and shouted, "Abracadabra!""
How to use abracadabra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe classic magic word used in spells and stage magic — and, by extension, a name for confusing jargon.
Common pairings
say abracadabra
legal abracadabra
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Word forms
- Plural
- abracadabras
Fill the gap
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The old charm was said to work only if you whispered _____ three times.
Etymology
Borrowed straight from Late Latin abracadabra, a word whose earlier origins are murky, historically believed to carry protective magical power when written or spoken.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for abracadabra
See all rhymes for abracadabra →Frequently asked questions
What does “abracadabra” mean?
The word “abracadabra” means a magic word traditionally chanted as part of a spell or charm. In plain terms, the classic magic word used in spells and stage magic — and, by extension, a name for confusing jargon.
How do you pronounce “abracadabra”?
“Abracadabra” is pronounced ab-ruh-kuh-DAB-ruh (/ˌæbɹəkəˈdæbɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “abracadabra” in a sentence?
Here is “abracadabra” used in a sentence: “The old charm was said to work only if you whispered abracadabra three times.”
What part of speech is “abracadabra”?
Depending on how it is used, “abracadabra” can be a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “abracadabra” come from?
The word “abracadabra” comes from Late Latin. Borrowed straight from Late Latin abracadabra, a word whose earlier origins are murky, historically believed to carry protective magical power when written or spoken.
How many meanings does “abracadabra” have?
“Abracadabra” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a magic word traditionally chanted as part of a spell or charm.
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