What does "mojo" mean?
A magic spell or hex.
Mojo
/ˈmoʊd͡ʒoʊ/ name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A magic spell or hex.
- Grammar: mojo is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: amulet, charisma, charm, energy.
- Usage evidence: Will Apple lose its mojo now that its visionary founder is dead?
How to use "mojo"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mojo" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mojo" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "mojo" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mojo" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mojo" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "amulet" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "mojo", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A magic spell or hex. countable
- 2 Any of various sauces originating in the Canary Islands and made with olive oil, peppers, garlic, paprika, and other spices. countable, uncountable
"I know I want one more satisfying starch, and I’m debating between Yewande Komolafe’s plantains with beans and Von Diaz’s yuca coated in a warm, garlicky mojo."
- 3 Alternative form of moio (“Portuguese dry measure”). alt-of, alternative
- 4 Alternative form of Moxo. alt-of, alternative
- 5 a magic power or magic spell wordnet
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 An object (such as a charm or amulet) used to cast magic spells, especially in hoodoo. countable
"A doney, for instance, is a woman of worse than doubtful morals, and a nation sack is a cloth pouch worn on a string around the neck for holding mojos and small change."
- 7 Spellcraft, hoodoo. uncountable
- 8 Supernatural skill; exceptional luck, success, or power. countable, informal, uncountable
"I haven’t seen much mojo in the state Legislature for that or any other major intervention, though. Hey, lawmakers, you should check out the test scores for your own school districts. It might be yours are needing some help, too, maybe even more so than Seattle."
- 9 Personal magnetism; charm; that which makes one successful and liked, viewed as an inherent power that can be present or absent. countable, slang, uncountable
"Still reeling from the 2023 Voice loss, Albanese struggled until the start of this year to regain his mojo. Polls relentlessly showed the prime minister was on the nose with voters weary over the cost of living."
- 10 Sex appeal; sex drive. countable, slang, uncountable
"Look at the way the chicks are checking out Daniel on the dancefloor. He's still got plenty of mojo."
- 11 An illegal drug, especially morphine or other narcotics. countable, slang, uncountable
- 12 A telecopier; a fax machine. countable, slang, uncountable, usually
Verb
- 1 To cast a magic spell on or jinx (someone). informal, transitive
- 2 To annoy or bother (someone). informal, transitive
Proper Noun
- 1 Alternative form of Moxo. alt-of, alternative
Example
"Will Apple lose its mojo now that its visionary founder is dead?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mojo"?
Common synonyms include: amulet, charisma, charm, energy, personal power, talisman.
How do you use "mojo" in a sentence?
Will Apple lose its mojo now that its visionary founder is dead?
How do you pronounce "mojo"?
Pronounced /ˈmoʊd͡ʒoʊ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Probably of Creole origin, cognate with Gullah moco (“witchcraft”), Fula moco'o (“medicine man”). The origin of the drug sense is uncertain, possibly related to Spanish mojar (“to toast (celebrate with a drink)”).
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Spanish mojo.