medicine man

noun

plural medicine men
Synonyms of medicine mannext
: a healer especially among Indigenous American groups who uses various traditional methods (such as magical rituals, magical objects, and medicinal plants) to treat illnesses and keep away evil spirits : shaman

Examples of medicine man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The appointment of a new medicine man is a dicey moment in the life of a tribe. James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 Prosecutors said the former actor weaponized his reputation as a Lakota medicine man, exploiting cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs to prey on Indigenous women and girls. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 But prosecutors told a different story, saying the man who was seen by some as a spiritual healer and medicine man used his position to prey on his victims. Muri Assuncao, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 An Anishinaabe Sculpture Park features statues of figures in action, from a fisherman to a medicine man and a meat and fish preservation drying rack. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for medicine man

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of medicine man was in 1801

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Medicine man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medicine%20man. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

medicine man

noun
: a person especially among members of Indigenous American tribes that is believed to have magic powers that can cure illnesses and keep away evil spirits by potions and charms
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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