black magic

noun

: magic that is associated with the devil or with evil spirits : evil magic
He wore a special necklace to protect against black magic.

Examples of black magic 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.
Preaching in the village of Manjacaze, his inspiration and congregation dwindling, evangelical Pastor Hélder turns to black magic to fire up his oratory and heal his parishioners. — John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 SpellsByMia also recommends steering clear of black magic and scare tactics. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025 The way that Gladys’ black magic operates is only lightly sketched and under-explained for the better. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025 Unlike horror movies built on shadowy boogeymen bouncing out of the dark, The Witch's tone stays quiet, swarming around themes of bewitchery, black magic, and wickedness without overdoing it. — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for black magic

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black magic was in 1590

Rhymes for black magic

See All Rhymes for black magic

Browse Nearby Words

black lye
black magic
black mahogany
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Black magic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20magic. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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