shamanism

noun

sha·​man·​ism ˈshä-mə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce shamanism (audio)
ˈshā-mə-
also shə-ˈmä-
: a religion practiced by Indigenous peoples of far northern Europe and Siberia that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits responsive only to the shamans
also : any similar religion
shamanist
ˈshä-mə-nist How to pronounce shamanism (audio)
ˈshā-mə-
also shə-ˈmä-
noun
shamanistic
ˌshä-mə-ˈni-stik How to pronounce shamanism (audio)
ˌshā-mə-
adjective

Examples of shamanism in a Sentence

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.
That felt a bit like shamanism. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025 There are strong undercurrents of paranoia, shamanism, and even cult worship. — Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 4 Mar. 2025 Residents believe the snake was being kept for taxidermy, or to be stuffed, then used in shamanism and to help sell alternative medicine products. — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2025 In the 21st century, the dramatic changes of the modern world in such a traditional society have inspired a revival of shamanism. — Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shamanism

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shamanism was in 1780

Rhymes for shamanism

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Browse Nearby Words

shamanic
shamanism
shamanist
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Cite this Entry

“Shamanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shamanism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shamanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shamanism

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