incantation

American  

[in-kan-tey-shuhn] / ˌɪn kænˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power.

2. the formula employed; a spell or charm.

3. magical ceremonies.

4. magic; sorcery.

   Synonyms:

   wizardry, black magic, witchcraft

5. repetitious wordiness used to conceal a lack of content; obfuscation.

   Her prose too often resorts to incantation.

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incantation British  

/ ˌɪnkænˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. ritual recitation of magic words or sounds

2. the formulaic words or sounds used; a magic spell

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Other Word Forms

• incantational adjective
• incantator noun
• incantatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of incantation

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin incantātiōn- (stem of incantātiō ), equivalent to incantāt ( us ) past participle of incantāre to put a spell on, bewitch ( enchant, -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

To boost the placement of these companies’ products in AI results, Bailyn’s company plants a sort of magic incantation, known as a “brand authority statement,” on at least 10 websites.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

To establish the right note of terror on a fog-strewn set by Arnulfo Maldonado that resembles the private chamber of a writer or madman, Page begins with Lady Macbeth’s chilling incantation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

Now, it sounds more like a utopian incantation: read it aloud three times on a hill under moonlight and perhaps it will come true.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2025

Nuns dangling rosary beads, tourists and student priests were among those who joined the gentle incantation of the rosary in the Vatican.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

He passed his hand over Annabeth’s face and spoke an incantation.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• enchantment
• hymn