shaman

American  

[shah-muhn, shey-, sham-uhn] / ˈʃɑ mən, ˈʃeɪ-, ˈʃæm ən /

noun

1. (especially among certain tribal peoples) a person who acts as intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds, using magic to cure illness, foretell the future, control spiritual forces, etc.

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shaman British  

/ ʃəˈmænɪk, ˈʃæmən /

noun

1. a priest of shamanism

2. a medicine man of a similar religion, esp among certain tribes of North American Indians

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Other Word Forms

• shamanic adjective

Etymology

Origin of shaman

First recorded in 1690–1700; from German Schamane, from Russian shamán, probably from Evenki šamān, samān or another Tungusic language, perhaps ultimately via an intermediary such as Tocharian B from Sanskrit śramaṇá- “ascetic, monk”

Example Sentences

Once, they brought in a shaman to cleanse the house with sage and cedar during a full blood moon.

From Los Angeles Times

Norway's royal family has been buffeted by a succession of scandals in recent times, including the marriage of the crown prince's sister, Princess Märtha Louise to a self-styled American shaman.

From BBC

Spear dies a hero at the second season’s close, only for a shaman to reanimate him in the third season premiere as a zombie.

From Salon

Peruvian shamans predict global conflict, a White House shakeup in 2026.

From MarketWatch

Photographer Stuart Dods is one of those willing to take the treatment from a shaman.

From BBC

Related Words

• healer