genie

American  

[jee-nee] / ˈdʒi ni /

noun

1. Islamic Mythology. jinn.

2. a spirit, often appearing in human form, that when summoned by a person carries out the wishes of the summoner.

3. any spirit; demon.

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genie ¹ British  

/ ˈdʒiːnɪ /

noun

1. (in fairy tales and stories) a servant who appears by magic and fulfils a person's wishes

2. another word for jinni

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Genie ² British  

/ ˈdʒiːnɪ /

noun

1. an award given by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television in recognition of Canadian cinematic achievements

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Etymology

Origin of genie

1645–55; < French génie < Latin genius; genius

Example Sentences

College sports leaders are trying to squeeze the genie back into the bottle—witness the president’s new executive order commanding transfer and eligibility limits, among other items—but it’s hard to see the landscape changing soon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

"I don't know how you put the genie back in the bottle but the issue is among us and we can't row back," she says.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

We stopped by a wishing well, where a worker handed me a token to throw down to an animated genie who promised to grant my desires.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2025

“You can’t put the genie back in the bottle now,” Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, told Slate.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2025

As she hummed a long, silvery wand flickered into existence in her hand, and she pointed it at the genie.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley