amulet
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of amulet
First recorded in 1595–1605; either from Middle French amulete or directly from Latin amulētum
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Explanation
If you rub your pendant while praying to your gods, it sounds like you have an amulet, a necklace or similar item attributed with magical powers. An amulet is something that wards off evil spells and all manner of bad luck. Often found in undeveloped societies — or Brady Bunch episodes — an amulet acts as a charm to protect its wearer from evil. Often worn close to the heart as a necklace, the word amulet can refer to any a piece of jewelry or other trinket that is kept close to the body and believed to keep evil and danger at bay.
Vocabulary lists containing amulet
Ancient Egypt - Introductory
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Ancient Egypt - Middle School and High School
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
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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.
Roblox users can buy a bundle that includes a code to download the 2008 “Twilight” movie, a digital movie T-shirt and another item, such as a virtual amulet.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025
Tom quickly learns that his granny is the guardian of the Phoenix, a powerful amulet which, in the right hands, maintains the good in the universe, but in the wrong hands will destroy humanity.
From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2024
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
Seven held her breath...but when the last amulet lit up a shimmering white, it wasn’t hers.
From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega
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.
