divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
1
: the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2
: unusual insight : intuitive perception
divinatory
də-ˈvi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce divination (audio)
də-ˈvī-nə-
ˈdi-və-nə-
adjective

Examples of divination in a Sentence

the art of reading tea leaves and other forms of divination if her powers of divination are so great, why doesn't she know what the stock market will do?
Recent Examples on the Web Vanquishing spirits The government department in charge of divination, the Bureau of Yin and Yang, established in the late seventh century, played a crucial role. Alessandro Poletto, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 The speculative practices—the financial and cultural forecasting—on which Asher and Whitney have staked their futures would be considered occult forms of divination were white people not the ones engaging in them. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2024 Representations of dragons are etched into divination inscriptions and reflected in the shape of ritual bronze vessels unearthed in Anyang, the capital of the Shang dynasty. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 Grace is actively writing about astrology and numerology in addition to her divination work. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023 The shop in question is called Elemental Art, which sells crystals, gemstones, incense, tarot cards, divination tools and spiritual jewelry, according to its website. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023 Contributor Astrology and numerology are two ancient divination arts that have been practiced for centuries throughout human civilization. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023 Seeking refuge in the hazy realm of spiritual concoction is as old as uncertainty itself, and this show’s 10 artists look for solace with such mystic tools as healing earth, witches’ brooms, divination, and, yes, AI, to name a few. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023 Tarot reading is the centuries-old practice of using a 78-card deck as a tool of divination—that is, the art or practice of discovering hidden knowledge or unusual insight through divine messages. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 19 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'divination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare — see divine entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of divination was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near divination

Cite this Entry

“Divination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divination. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

divination

noun
div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce divination (audio)
: the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future

More from Merriam-Webster on divination

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