talisman

American  

[tal-is-muhn, -iz-] / ˈtæl ɪs mən, -ɪz- /

noun

talismans plural

1. a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.

2. any amulet or charm.

3. anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.

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talisman British  

/ ˈtælɪzmən, ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk /

noun

1. a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences

2. anything thought to have magical or protective powers

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• talismanic
  adjective
• talismanical
  adjective
• talismanically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

noun

• talismans
  plural

Etymology

Origin of talisman

First recorded in 1630–40; from French talisman, Spanish talismán or other Romance language, from Arabic ṭilasm, from Late Greek télesmon “completion, performance, consecrated object,” from Greek télesma “payment, payment to be made, outlay, expense,” a derivative of teleîn “to complete, perform” + -ma noun suffix of result. The final -n in the western Europen languages is unexplained.

Compare meaning

How does talisman compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• amulet vs. talisman

Explanation

A talisman is a charm that is supposed to ward off evil or illness. Your rabbit's foot key chain may be your lucky talisman. Of course, it wasn't so lucky for that rabbit. The word talisman has been around in English since the 1630s and it has roots in both Arabic and Greek words. A talisman is usually worn around the neck but could exist in other forms, like a ring or inscribed stone. You can think of a talisman as a good luck charm, but people tend to take talismans more seriously — as if they are empowered with magic to ward off evil spirits.

Example Sentences

Whether Fernandes receives individual accolades or not, United fans will want to be certain their talisman is staying.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

“I didn’t quite recognize until they were gone how much I had valued what they meant on kind of a talisman level,” Carter says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

They were without Callum McGregor, their captain, their talisman, their consistent source of influence and class.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

“His relationship with his emperor had become something akin to a talisman to protect himself from criticism, questioning, and political attacks,” Mr. Mauch observes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

There he poked the quill into the soft, rotting wood of his floor, where it stood erect, a sort of talisman.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig