divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
1
: the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2
: unusual insight : intuitive perception
divinatory
də-ˈvi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce divination (audio)
də-ˈvī-nə-
ˈdi-və-nə-
adjective

Examples of divination in a Sentence

the art of reading tea leaves and other forms of divination if her powers of divination are so great, why doesn't she know what the stock market will do?
Recent Examples on the Web Shin conducted divination rituals to guide royal decisions and kept tabs on the Buddhist monks who, like Catholic priests in medieval Europe, exercised power over the court. Katharine H.s. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2016 There is also a long history of shamanism in Korean politics—leaders have long sought out shamans, who were traditionally well regarded for their powers of divination and truth-telling. Katharine H.s. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2016 Yet, the commercialization of these divination practices has created a warped caricature of their true purpose and sacred history. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2024 Daily meditation, journaling, and self-development through divination, including oracle and tarot cards, gave McMurray a sense of purpose and became a lifeline while battling chronic illness. Tonya Abari, Essence, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for divination 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'divination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare — see divine entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of divination was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near divination

Cite this Entry

“Divination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divination. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

divination

noun
div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
: the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future

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