noun Uncommon

shaman

SHAH-muhn

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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

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.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: shamans, shamen

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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

Synonyms

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priest-doctor

Rhymes for shaman

Aman Haman Raman seaman chinaman cameraman

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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.