séance

American  

[sey-ahns] / ˈseɪ ɑns /

noun

1. a meeting in which a spiritualist attempts to communicate with the spirits of the dead.

2. a session or sitting, as of a class or organization.

---

seance British  

/ ˈseɪɑ̃ns, -ɑːns /

noun

1. a meeting at which spiritualists attempt to receive messages from the spirits of the dead

2. a meeting of a society

---

Spelling

See resume ².

Etymology

Origin of séance

1795–1805; < French: session, equivalent to sé-, base of seoir to sit ¹ (< Latin sedēre ) + -ance -ance

Example Sentences

Welcome to “Phasmagorica,” what composer-turned-magician-turned-spiritual explorer BC Smith describes as “a séance reimagined as art.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

She, too, appreciated the historical emphasis, specifically the way a musician performs after the séance as guests mingle with one another and share their experience.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

The segment covers story themes, character motivations, casting, period costuming, shooting in Venice, the non-rehearsed séance scene and Mr. Branagh’s multifunctional role in the film.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

No, there is no séance with the supernatural nor summoning of spirits, just a jangle of regrets.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2023

At one séance, a skeptic asked to hold his dead wife’s hand, which had been severely burned in a fire.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock