talisman

American  

[tal-is-muhn, -iz-] / ˈtæl ɪs mən, -ɪz- /

noun

talismans plural

1. a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.

2. any amulet or charm.

3. anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.

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talisman British  

/ ˈtælɪzmən, ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk /

noun

1. a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences

2. anything thought to have magical or protective powers

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• talismanic
  adjective
• talismanically
  adverb
• talismanical
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• talismans
  plural

Etymology

Origin of talisman

First recorded in 1630–40; from French talisman, Spanish talismán or other Romance language, from Arabic ṭilasm, from Late Greek télesmon “completion, performance, consecrated object,” from Greek télesma “payment, payment to be made, outlay, expense,” a derivative of teleîn “to complete, perform” + -ma noun suffix of result. The final -n in the western Europen languages is unexplained.

Compare meaning

How does talisman compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• amulet vs. talisman

Explanation

A talisman is a charm that is supposed to ward off evil or illness. Your rabbit's foot key chain may be your lucky talisman. Of course, it wasn't so lucky for that rabbit. The word talisman has been around in English since the 1630s and it has roots in both Arabic and Greek words. A talisman is usually worn around the neck but could exist in other forms, like a ring or inscribed stone. You can think of a talisman as a good luck charm, but people tend to take talismans more seriously — as if they are empowered with magic to ward off evil spirits.

Example Sentences

Now Kane's stellar form and fitness suggest the time might be right for England and their talisman to overcome the barrier that has brought 60 years of pain.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Pulisic, the talisman who was supposed to carry the U.S., has gone cold.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

But Tindall was among those namechecked by Lewis Hall as the left-back discussed the defensive strides he had made on the eve of keeping Barcelona talisman Lamine Yamal quiet from open play earlier this week.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

“His relationship with his emperor had become something akin to a talisman to protect himself from criticism, questioning, and political attacks,” Mr. Mauch observes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

She held a blue plastic hairbrush that she tapped nervously against her thigh like a good luck talisman.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan