Trivia Time

Which object in folklore is most often treated like a talisman?

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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

Nouns

• 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

See Examples For:

talisman talismans

My creation resembled a bulky hamantaschen more than a talisman for a life-changing epiphany.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

BBC Sport reported this week that Arsenal are set to make a £70m offer for the Brazil midfielder, but Newcastle do not want to lose their talisman.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

It is easy to see why Newcastle do not want to lose their talisman after he intimated he wished to join Arsenal.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

And Kylian Mbappé, France’s do-it-all talisman, never found room to operate.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

John walked down the street beside them, still holding the envelope as though it were a talisman.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry

She padlocks the gate when she returns and buries witchy talismans around the property to ward off intruders.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 14, 2025

Jewelry sellers livestreaming on Taobao report surging sales of crystal bracelets and talismans, products that blend fashion with mysticism.

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2025

They were also revered as talismans that warded off evil spirits.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2025

Harvey vividly renders the practical and emotional details of life in space, from the cargo cubes that contain trash to the talismans and images each astronaut has brought on board.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 11, 2023

Extra clothes, books, scientific instruments and specimens, chess sets, flags, lanterns, tools, sewing kits, lucky talismans, razors, barometers, combs, scissors, playing cards, dishes, silverware, photographs—each man added to the heap.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong