noun

talisman

TAL-ihs-man

noun

An object believed to bring good luck or protection to whoever carries or wears it.

"He kept a small carved stone as a talisman against bad luck."

"The necklace was worn as a talisman to ward off evil."

How to Use Talisman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA lucky charm or protective object, often believed to have magical power.

Common mistake

Similar to "amulet," though talisman more often implies bringing good fortune or power, while amulet leans toward protection.

Easily confused with

amulet →

Common pairings

a lucky talisman carry a talisman

talismaned past tense, talismanned past tense, talismans plural, talismen plural, talismans plural, talismans singular

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He kept a small carved stone as a _____ against bad luck.

From French talisman, ultimately from Greek telesma, meaning "religious rite" or "completion" — the idea of an object charged with ritual power.