noun
palmistry
PAHM-is-tree
Palmistry (noun) means the practice of claiming to read a person's fortune or character from the lines and shape of their palm. Example: “She had her palmistry reading done at the fair.”
noun
1
The practice of claiming to read a person's fortune or character from the lines and shape of their palm.
"She had her palmistry reading done at the fair."
"He does not believe palmistry can predict the future."
"The fortune teller studied his hand using palmistry."
How to use palmistry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReading someone's palm to guess their future or character.
When to use it
It is a neutral, everyday word used when talking about fortune telling.
Memory tip
The middle syllable is unstressed, so say PAHM-is-tree rather than pahm-IS-tree.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
practise palmistry
a palmistry reading
study palmistry
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She had her _____ reading done at the fair.
Etymology
The word comes from the Middle English palmestrie, built from palm with the suffixes -ist and -ry, which together name a practice or skill.
Synonyms
View more →
chiromancy
palm reading
handreading
chirology
Rhymes for palmistry
See all rhymes for palmistry →Frequently asked questions
What is palmistry?
It is the practice of reading the lines and features of a person's hand to tell their fortune or character.
Is palmistry the same as chiromancy?
Yes, chiromancy is another name for the same practice of reading the palm.
Is palmistry considered a science?
No, it is a form of fortune telling and is not recognised as a scientific practice.
What is the meaning of palmistry?
"palmistry" (noun) means the practice of claiming to read a person's fortune or character from the lines and shape of their palm.
