gris-gris

noun

ˈgrē-(ˌ)grē How to pronounce gris-gris (audio)
variants or less commonly grigri
plural gris-gris ˈgrē-(ˌ)grēz How to pronounce gris-gris (audio) also grigri
Synonyms of gris-grisnext
: a talisman, amulet, voodoo charm, spell, or incantation believed capable of warding off evil and bringing good luck to oneself or of bringing misfortune to another

Examples of gris-gris 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.
Often these assemblages of items are tied together in a bundle or bag and may be referred to as hands, mojos, or gris-gris. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gris-gris was in 1698

Browse Nearby Words

grisette
gris-gris
griskin
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Cite this Entry

“Gris-gris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gris-gris. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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