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amulet

American  
[am-yuh-lit] / ˈæm yə lɪt /

noun

  1. a small object worn to ward off evil, harm, or illness or to bring good fortune; a protective charm.

    Synonyms:
    talisman, good luck charm
amulet British  
/ ˈæmjʊlɪt /

noun

  1. a trinket or piece of jewellery worn as a protection against evil; charm

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of amulet

First recorded in 1595–1605; either from Middle French amulete or directly from Latin amulētum

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also provided me with a special anti-shark amulet that I wore on my wrist like a watch.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

Among her souvenirs is an earthenware amulet, a four-tier embossed-aluminum lunch box, and a fish-shaped ceramic vodka serving set.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2023

Mr Marshall said there was no evidence of wear on the comb teeth, suggesting it was never used as a functional item but the circular hole may have meant it was worm as an amulet.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2023

Take his ancient Sumerian amulet part that, when paired with a sister piece lost in the 14th century spice trade, offers a key clue to the location of a bracelet giving its wearer unlimited power.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2023

“If I were on duty...” said Mr. Weasley, glaring angrily at the amulet seller.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.