Ouija board
Noun: A board printed with letters, numbers, and other symbols, used with a movable pointer (planchette) as a means to supposedly receive messages from the spirit world. It is used in a practice known as a séance.
The term "Ouija board" is a proper noun and is always capitalized. It refers specifically to the branded talking board, though the term is often used generically for similar devices. It is used as a singular countable noun.
- Noun:
- They used a Ouija board at the sleepover to try and contact ghosts.
- Some people believe messages from a Ouija board come from the subconscious mind, not spirits.
- The museum had an antique Ouija board on display.
- "to consult a Ouija board": To use a Ouija board to seek answers.
- In desperation, they decided to consult a Ouija board for guidance.
- "a Ouija board session": An event or period of time during which a Ouija board is used.
- The Ouija board session yielded some unsettling responses.
- Talking board (n): A more generic term for a device like a Ouija board.
- Planchette (n): The heart-shaped pointer on legs that moves around the board to spell messages.
- Spirit board (n): Another generic term emphasizing the intended use for spirit communication.
- Talking board
- Spirit board
The Ouija board is primarily associated with the paranormal and spiritualism. In popular culture, it is often depicted as a dangerous portal or a game, leading to its use in horror stories and films. Scientifically, the movement of the planchette is attributed to the ideomotor effect, where a person makes motions unconsciously.
- a board with the alphabet on it; used with a planchette to spell out supernatural messages