What does wiccan mean?
Wiccan is an adjective and noun associated with Wicca, a modern Pagan religion that draws on older European traditions concerning nature, seasonal cycles, spirituality, and magical practice. As an adjective, Wiccan describes people, rituals, beliefs, or objects connected with Wicca, as in Wiccan traditions or a Wiccan ceremony. As a noun, a Wiccan is someone who practices or identifies with Wicca. The term is used in British and American English and is related to words such as witch and witchcraft, although it has a more specific modern religious meaning than those broader terms. Wiccan practices commonly include celebrating the seasonal turning points known as sabbats, working with deities associated with nature, and participating in rites such as circle gatherings. The word is also sometimes encountered in popular culture, where it may be generalized to Pagan or occult subjects. In careful usage, Wiccan should not be treated as a synonym for every form of Paganism or for any person described informally as a witch. Its distinctive present-day sense remains closely tied to Wicca as a contemporary religious revival.
Relating to Wicca, modern Paganism, or the beliefs and practices associated with Wicca.
"The museum houses a collection of Wiccan books and ritual objects."
This is the most common modern use of the word, particularly in expressions such as Wiccan tradition or Wiccan practitioner.
A practitioner, follower, or adherent of Wicca.
"The Wiccan led the group through a short blessing."
The noun is specific to Wicca and should not be used as a general term for every kind of Pagan or occult practitioner.
The standard plural of the noun, referring to multiple practitioners or adherents of Wicca.
"Wiccans from several traditions joined the discussion."
Wiccan is more than a seasonal costume: it names a modern Pagan religion with roots in European nature spirituality, witchcraft traditions, and modern revivalism.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wiccan
The word belongs to the modern English vocabulary formed around Wicca, a name created in the early 20th century for a revived form of Pagan religion. Wicca itself developed from witch, which comes from Old English wicce, and the related terms witchcraft and witchery continue the same older English word family. The form Wiccan developed as both an adjective and a noun to refer to practitioners and matters connected with Wicca.
Related word forms
How wiccan is actually used
Wiccan is used in both British and American English. As a noun, it usually refers specifically to a practitioner of Wicca; the broader term Pagan may refer to a wider range of beliefs. The related word witch can be used as a historical or generic term but may also carry negative connotations.
Easily confused with wiccan
Wicca is the religion or tradition itself, whereas Wiccan is an adjective describing that tradition or a noun for someone who practices it.