noun
talisman
TAL-ihs-man
Talisman (noun) means an object believed to bring good luck or protection to whoever carries or wears it. Example: “He kept a small carved stone as a talisman against bad luck.”
noun
1
An object believed to bring good luck or protection to whoever carries or wears it.
"He kept a small carved stone as a talisman against bad luck."
"The necklace was worn as a talisman to ward off evil."
How to use talisman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA lucky charm or protective object, often believed to have magical power.
Common mistake
Similar to "amulet," though talisman more often implies bringing good fortune or power, while amulet leans toward protection.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a lucky talisman
carry a talisman
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Word forms
- Plural
- talismans, talismen
- Third person singular
- talismans
- Past tense
- talismaned, talismanned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He kept a small carved stone as a _____ against bad luck.
Etymology
From French talisman, ultimately from Greek telesma, meaning "religious rite" or "completion" — the idea of an object charged with ritual power.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “talisman” mean?
The word “talisman” means an object believed to bring good luck or protection to whoever carries or wears it. In plain terms, a lucky charm or protective object, often believed to have magical power.
How do you pronounce “talisman”?
“Talisman” is pronounced TAL-ihs-man (/ˈtæl.ɪsˌmæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “talisman” in a sentence?
Here is “talisman” used in a sentence: “He kept a small carved stone as a talisman against bad luck.”
What part of speech is “talisman”?
“Talisman” is a noun.
Where does the word “talisman” come from?
The word “talisman” comes from French. From French talisman, ultimately from Greek telesma, meaning "religious rite" or "completion" — the idea of an object charged with ritual power.
