mumbo jumbo

noun

mum·​bo jum·​bo ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce mumbo jumbo (audio)
Synonyms of mumbo jumbonext
1
: an object of superstitious homage and fear
2
a
: a complicated often ritualistic observance with elaborate trappings
b
: complicated activity or language usually intended to obscure and confuse
3
: unnecessarily involved and incomprehensible language : gibberish
4
: language, behavior, or beliefs based on superstition

Synonyms of mumbo jumbo

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Examples of mumbo jumbo in a Sentence

We were confused by all the legal mumbo jumbo. His explanation was just a lot of mumbo jumbo.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gavras presents this mystic mumbo jumbo in such a way that we are meant to question whether Joan could be right. — Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 Strong actors also can’t prop up a script built out of barely penetrable mumbo jumbo. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 But besides all the business mumbo jumbo, there is nothing like doing comedy for a live audience and getting that feedback and that energy. — Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 10 July 2025 With its tongue way up its cheek, this zero-fat survival thriller is not bulked up with gratuitous sociological mumbo jumbo or layered with hidden meanings. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mumbo jumbo

Word History

Etymology

Mumbo Jumbo, a masked figure among Mandingo peoples of western Africa

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mumbo jumbo was in 1738

Rhymes for mumbo jumbo

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Browse Nearby Words

mumblingly
mumbo jumbo
mumbudget
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Cite this Entry

“Mumbo jumbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mumbo%20jumbo. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mumbo jumbo

noun
mum·​bo jum·​bo ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-bō How to pronounce mumbo jumbo (audio)
1
: a complicated ceremony
2
: confusing or meaningless talk or activity
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