Meaning & use
talismans
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“talismans” is a form of “talisman”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Objects believed to carry magic power that brings luck or protects the owner.
Grammar: Plural of talisman: one talisman, two talismans.
Patterns
- talismans against something
- wear talismans
Sailors once carried talismans to protect them from storms.
She kept two small talismans in her pocket during exams.
The shop sells talismans from many different cultures.
nounpluralfigurative
People or things thought to bring success or good fortune, especially to a team or group.
Grammar: Often used figuratively about a lucky person or object.
Patterns
- talismans for someone
The goalkeeper and his old scarf became the team's talismans.
Their grandmother's recipes were talismans of the family's good luck.
Word forms
| singular | talisman |
|---|
Common combinations
- lucky talismans
- The climbers carried lucky talismans in their packs.
- ancient talismans
- The museum displays ancient talismans carved from bone.
- wear talismans
- Some students wear talismans on exam days.
- talismans of protection
- Families hung talismans of protection above the door.
- collect talismans
- She collects talismans from every country she visits.
Synonyms and how they differ
- charms
- This is a more everyday, often smaller word for lucky objects, such as a charm bracelet.
- amulets
- This focuses on protecting the wearer from harm or evil, not on bringing luck in general.
- mascots
- These are people, animals or toys representing a team, whose luck is symbolic and public rather than magical.
- fetishes
- This has a technical sense of objects thought to hold spirits, and in everyday speech is also used for obsession, so it is easily misread.
Word family
- talisman noun
- one such lucky or protective object
- talismanic adjective
- having the power of a talisman
- amulet noun
- a related protective charm
Commonly confused: talismans or amulets? talismans or tailsmen?
talismans vs amulets
An amulet is worn or carried mainly to ward off danger. A talisman is believed to actively bring good fortune or power.
talismans vs tailsmen
This is a mistaken plural; the correct plural is talismans.
Practice
The climbers kept small carved stones as ______ to bring them luck on the mountain.
Choose one answer.
Talismans are objects believed to bring luck or protection. Trophies are prizes, tributes show respect, and templates are patterns to copy.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “talismans”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.