A wand is a thin stick, usually made of wood, that magicians and wizards use in stories to perform magic. When Harry Potter waves his wand and says a spell, or when a fairy godmother in Cinderella transforms a pumpkin into a coach, they're using wands to focus and direct their magical power.

In fantasy stories, wands often choose their wizard, contain special materials like phoenix feathers or unicorn hair, and respond to specific words or gestures. The idea is that the wand channels magical energy the way a hose channels water: the power might come from the wizard, but the wand gives it direction and purpose.

Real magicians and stage performers use wands too, though for different reasons. A stage magician's wand doesn't actually contain magic, but it helps direct the audience's attention where the magician wants it. When the performer waves the wand over a hat, everyone watches the wand instead of noticing the hidden pocket where the rabbit is hiding.

While wands appear in magic shows and fantasy stories, people sometimes use the word playfully for real tools that look similar, like a handheld scanner or a conductor's baton.