abracadabra

ab·ra·ca·dab·ra

A a

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [ab-ruh-kuh-dab-ruh]
- /ˌæb rə kəˈdæb rə/
- /ˌæb.rə.kəˈdæb.rə/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [ab-ruh-kuh-dab-ruh]
- /ˌæb rə kəˈdæb rə/

Definitions of abracadabra word

exclamation abracadabra Abracadabra is a word that someone says when they are performing a magic trick in order to make the magic happen. 3
exclamation abracadabra a spoken formula, used esp by conjurors 3
noun abracadabra a word used in incantations, etc, considered to possess magic powers 3
noun abracadabra gibberish; nonsense 3
noun abracadabra a word supposed to have magic powers, and hence used in incantations, on amulets, etc. 3
noun abracadabra a magic spell or formula 3

See all 16 definitions of abracadabra

Information block about the term

Origin of abracadabra

First appearance:

before 1690

One of the 49% oldest English words

1690-1700; < Late Latin, probably < Late Greek, perhaps reflecting recitation of the initial letters of the alphabet; cf. abecedary

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Abracadabra

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Abracadabra

abracadabra popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 61% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

abracadabra usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for abracadabra

noun abracadabra

invocation — the act of invoking or calling upon a deity, spirit, etc., for aid, protection, inspiration, or the like; supplication.
incantation — the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power.
spell — a continuous course or period of work or other activity: to take a spell at the wheel.
hocus-pocus — a meaningless chant or expression used in conjuring or incantation.
mumbo jumbo — meaningless incantation or ritual.

interjection abracadabra

presto — quickly, rapidly, or immediately.
voila — used to reveal, show off

All 9 Synonyms of abracadabra