abracadabra

UK: /ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə/ US: /ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə/ ,(ab′rə kə dab′rə)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ab•ra•ca•dab•ra /ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə/   n. [uncountable]

1. meaningless talk;
   gibberish;
   nonsense.
2. a word used in magic tricks.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ab•ra•ca•dab•ra  (ab′rə kə dab′rə), n. 

1. a mystical word or expression used in incantations, on amulets, etc., as a magical means of warding off misfortune, harm, or illness.
2. any charm or incantation using nonsensical or supposedly magical words.
3. meaningless talk;
   gibberish;
   nonsense.

• Late Greek, perh. reflecting recitation of the initial letters of the alphabet; compare abecedary
• Late Latin, probably
• 1690–1700

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

abracadabra / ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə/ interjection

1. a spoken formula, used esp by conjurors

noun

1. a word used in incantations, etc, considered to possess magic powers
2. gibberish; nonsense

Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin: magical word used in certain Gnostic writings, perhaps related to Greek Abraxas; see abraxas