hoodoo

[ hoo-doo ]

noun

, plural hoo·doos.

1. Hoodoo. African American folk magic practiced predominantly in the southeastern United States through rituals of protection, herbal medicine, charming of objects, and ancestor veneration. Compare Vodou ( def ), Voodoo ( def 1 ).
2. (in popular culture) bad luck, or a person or thing that brings bad luck.
3. Geology. a pillar of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by erosion.

verb (used with object)

, hoo·dooed, hoo·doo·ing.

1. (in popular culture) to bring or cause bad luck to.

hoodoo

/ ˈhuːduː /

noun

1. a variant of voodoo
2. informal.
   a person or thing that brings bad luck
3. informal.
   bad luck
4. (in the western US and Canada) a strangely shaped column of rock

verb

1. informal.
   tr to bring bad luck to

Derived Forms

• ˈhoodooism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoodoo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; apparently a variant of Voodoo

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoodoo¹

C19: variant of voodoo

Example Sentences

She was superb against an off-colour Swiatek earlier in the week to put her quarter-final hoodoo behind her - but she started terribly against Muchova, much to the shock of the crowd.

From BBC

Hikes into the mountains bring you winter views of the hoodoos, a distinct landmark of the Columbia Valley.

From Seattle Times

However, if they can end that hoodoo at the CBS Arena and secure a third success in four games, Coventry will climb back into the play-off positions at Hull’s expense.

From BBC

In Norwegian folklore they stand as the nation's great hoodoos, the unexplained phenomena that put the heart sideways in those who have encountered them.

From BBC

So can they overcome that hoodoo on Sunday?

From BBC