amulet
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of amulet
First recorded in 1595–1605; either from Middle French amulete or directly from Latin amulētum
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How does amulet compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
See Examples For:
This wartime amulet is apotropaic art, attempting to deflect the gamble with death.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
When Knott’s Berry Farm debuted its “no-boo” necklace live to hundreds of fans of its annual Halloween event, the amulet proved ineffective for the presenters onstage.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2023
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
“It’s only the whole point of tonight, Mom,” Seven said, holding up the amulet that hung around her neck.
From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega
In addition to three planes valued at more than $21 million, Anutin's declared assets as of December included two boats, several luxury cars and two-dozen amulets worth about $2.8 million, according to official disclosures.
From Barron's ● Mar. 19, 2026
Mr Beer said sometimes this involved the use of amulets known as “taweez”, which can contain written verses of the Koran and can be worn around the neck.
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2024
The clothes feature Sombreuil’s artwork — amulets, angels, demons and more — on thermals, cut-out dresses and jeans, fitting squarely in Heaven’s irreverent, cheeky universe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2023
The 77 pieces of jewelry included crowns, necklaces, bracelets, belts, earrings and amulets.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 17, 2023
He was there many years, thinking, meditating, singing his strange songs, listening to the birds, learning from peasant women how to heal sickness with grasses and herbs, to write amulets, to drive out evil spirits.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
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.
