mojo

[ moh-joh ]

noun

, plural mo·jos, mo·joes

1. an object, as an amulet or charm, that is believed to carry a magic spell.
2. the art or practice of casting magic spells; magic.
3. Informal.
   1. a seemingly magical personal charm, power, or influence over other people:

      He’s always a hit with the ladies when he gets his mojo working.

   2. exceptional ability, good luck, success, etc.:

      It seems like our team has finally gotten its mojo back.

   3. exceptional energy or power:

      Tracking back over the warm Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane regained its mojo and hit the Mississippi coast full force.

mojo

/ ˈməʊdʒəʊ /

noun

1. 1. an amulet, charm, or magic spell
   2. ( as modifier )

      ancient mojo spells

2. the art of casting magic spells
3. uncanny personal power or influence

Word History and Origins

Origin of mojo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; compare Gullah moco “witchcraft, magic,” probably akin to Fulani moco'o “medicine man”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mojo¹

C20: of W African origin

Example Sentences

This summer’s “Twisters,” released by Universal Pictures, grossed nearly $371 million worldwide and is the sixth highest grossing film domestically so far this year, according to film performance tracker Box Office Mojo.

From Los Angeles Times

But they are slowly recovering their mojo after their pool-stage eviction from last year's Rugby World Cup.

From BBC

After losing over one billion dollars from selling her company “Martha Stewart Living,” Stewart said her “mojo was damaged.”

From Salon

The Dodgers were the better team, but they admitted the Giants had required all of their mojo, they had lost their edge, and they had nothing left for the Braves.

From Los Angeles Times

One party figure suggests some ministers, even senior figures like the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, haven’t found their mojo yet.

From BBC

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