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noun Uncommon

shaman

SHAH-muhn

Shaman (noun) means a person believed to act as a go-between between the human and spirit worlds, often serving as a healer within their community. Example: “The tribe's shaman led the healing ceremony.”

noun
1
A person believed to act as a go-between between the human and spirit worlds, often serving as a healer within their community.
"The tribe's shaman led the healing ceremony."

How to use shaman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spiritual healer or intermediary figure found in various traditional and indigenous cultures.

Word forms

shamans plural, shamen plural

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Fill the gap

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The tribe's _____ led the healing ceremony.

Etymology

Borrowed via German and Russian from a Tungusic language of Siberia; ultimately possibly related to a word meaning "to know", or to Buddhist terms for a monk.

Origin: German

priest-doctor

Rhymes for shaman

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Frequently asked questions

What does “shaman” mean?

The word “shaman” means a person believed to act as a go-between between the human and spirit worlds, often serving as a healer within their community. In plain terms, a spiritual healer or intermediary figure found in various traditional and indigenous cultures.

How do you pronounce “shaman”?

“Shaman” is pronounced SHAH-muhn (/ˈʃɑːmən/ in IPA).

How do you use “shaman” in a sentence?

Here is “shaman” used in a sentence: “The tribe's shaman led the healing ceremony.”

What part of speech is “shaman”?

“Shaman” is a noun.

Where does the word “shaman” come from?

The word “shaman” comes from German. Borrowed via German and Russian from a Tungusic language of Siberia; ultimately possibly related to a word meaning "to know", or to Buddhist terms for a monk.

Is “shaman” a common word?

“Shaman” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial