houngan

/ ˈhuːŋɡən; ˈuːŋɡən /

noun

1. a voodoo priest

Word History and Origins

Origin of houngan¹

C20: from Haitian Creole, from Fon hun deity + ga chief

Example Sentences

Her father was a houngan, or priest, but he left the family early on and founded a temple in a rural area, playing little direct role in her upbringing.

From New York Times

In Haiti, where Western healthcare services are scarce and too expensive for many, inhabitants often rely on the herbal remedies and ritual practices of their voodoo “houngan” priest or “mambo” priestess.

From Reuters

A deceased Vodou priest, or houngan, lies on the floor of a private mortuary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

From National Geographic

A deceased Vodou priest, or houngan, lies on the floor of a private mortuary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

From National Geographic

A deceased Vodou priest, or houngan, lies on the floor of a private mortuary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

From National Geographic