talisman

American  

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

noun

plural

talismans

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

• talismanic adjective
• talismanical adjective
• talismanically adverb

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

Example Sentences

“I didn’t quite recognize until they were gone how much I had valued what they meant on kind of a talisman level,” Carter says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 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

Thursday's trade deadline passed with Antetokounmpo still on Milwaukee's roster, but the Bucks talisman was again unavailable as he continues to recover from a calf strain.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

He's Villa's talisman, capable of producing a goal from half a yard of space in the box.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

I added them to my “available and edible” list and clomped on, the plastic compass pressed into my palm now like a toy talisman.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline