abracadabra

noun

ab·​ra·​ca·​dab·​ra ˌa-brə-kə-ˈda-brə How to pronounce abracadabra (audio)
Synonyms of abracadabranext
1
: a magical charm or incantation
2
: unintelligible language

Synonyms

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Examples of abracadabra in a Sentence

originally, an abracadabra was a cryptogram of the word “abracadabra” that was repeated in diminishing form until it disappeared entirely—supposedly just like the targeted evil or misfortune after some abracadabra the spiritualist announced that we had made contact with “the other side”
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.
But Trump’s Hollywood gambits well surpass that obvious bit of abracadabra. — Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Make the Boston Celtics vanish on abracadabra? — Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 18 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abracadabra was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

abr
abracadabra
abrade
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Cite this Entry

“Abracadabra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abracadabra. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

abracadabra

noun
ab·​ra·​ca·​dab·​ra ˌab-rə-kə-ˈdab-rə How to pronounce abracadabra (audio)
1
: a magical charm or word
2
: unintelligible language : jargon

More from Merriam-Webster on abracadabra

Nglish: Translation of abracadabra for Spanish Speakers

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