What does "ouija" mean?
A board, having letters of the alphabet and the words yes and no; used with a planchette during a seance to "communicate" with spirits.
Ouija
/ˈwiːd͡ʒə/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A board, having letters of the alphabet and the words yes and no; used with a planchette during a seance to "communicate" with spirits.
- Grammar: ouija is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ouija board, automatic writing, automatism, cultural icon.
- Useful contrasts: rational symbol, scientific instrument.
- Usage evidence: Sami decided to play around with a Ouija board with his roommates.
How to use "ouija"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ouija" 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 "ouija" 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 "ouija" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ouija" is acting as noun 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 "ouija board" 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.
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Final meaning check
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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 board, having letters of the alphabet and the words yes and no; used with a planchette during a seance to "communicate" with spirits. countable
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Ouija. alt-of, countable, uncountable
"Mediums — tipping tables — ouijas — all that sort of thing."
- 3 a board with the alphabet on it; used with a planchette to spell out supernatural messages wordnet
- 4 The use of such a board to attempt to communicate with spirits. uncountable
"Soon after the departure of my brother to the better land, our spirit-band informed us very plainly through "Ouija," that it was our duty to remove to Boston in order that our children might have better educational facilities, and be admitted to the "musical swim" of the "Hub of the Universe.""
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
rational symbolscientific instrument
Example
"Sami decided to play around with a Ouija board with his roommates."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ouija"?
Common synonyms include: ouija board, automatic writing, automatism, cultural icon, levitation, materialization.
How do you use "ouija" in a sentence?
Sami decided to play around with a Ouija board with his roommates.
How do you pronounce "ouija"?
Pronounced /ˈwiːd͡ʒə/.
Etymology
The popular belief that the word came from French oui (“yes”) + German ja (“yes”) is a misconception. The name is taken from a word spelled out on the board when it was asked to name itself by Helen Peters, sister-in-law of Kennard Company investor Elijah Bond. It is noted in personal letters that Ouija was the name of a woman in a painting above her head at the time, who it is speculated may have in fact been Ouida.