hoodoo

American  

[hoo-doo] / ˈhu du /

noun

hoodoos plural

1. Hoodoo. African American folk magic practiced predominantly in the southeastern United States through rituals of protection, herbal medicine, charming of objects, and ancestor veneration.

2. (in popular culture) bad luck, or a person or thing that brings bad luck.

3. Geology. a pillar of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by erosion.

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verb (used with object)

hoodooed, hoodooing

1. (in popular culture) to bring or cause bad luck to.

hoodoo British  

/ ˈhuːduː /

noun

1. a variant of voodoo

2. informal a person or thing that brings bad luck

3. informal bad luck

4. (in the western US and Canada) a strangely shaped column of rock

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verb

1. informal (tr) to bring bad luck to

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• hoodooism
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• hoodoos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hoodoo

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; apparently a variant of Voodoo

Example Sentences

Supporting actress could see a rare horror villain role rewarded for Amy Madigan in "Weapons," or go to "One Battle" revolutionary Teyana Taylor or "Sinners" Hoodoo healer Wunmi Mosaku.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

The 39-year-old, who was born in Nigeria and grew up in Manchester, has drawn widespread acclaim for her role as Hoodoo priestess Annie in the musical horror film.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Hoppin’ John is more than just a meal, because it, like so much of Gullah Geechee and Black culture, is a physical, tangible manifestation of a spiritual act of Hoodoo.

From Washington Post • Dec. 23, 2022

Those new to the sport can book a guided tour through Hoodoo Adventures.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2021

As I checked Hoodoo a shot rang out from a clump of pines on my right and a horseman leaped into the road some twenty yards in front of me.

From Westways by Mitchell, S. Weir (Silas Weir)

Related Words

• magic
• sorcery
• witchcraft
• worldview