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

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

“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

Having only started two games since November before the tournament because of injury, England's talisman is still getting up to speed.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

“The elders have seen it. I have seen it. If you do not succeed, a terrible war will follow. This talisman will provide aid when you need it.”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia