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Powwow: meaning, definitions and examples

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powwow

 

[ ˈpaʊˌwaʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

Native American culture

A powwow is a Native American gathering that involves feasting, singing, and dancing. It is a celebration of culture and heritage, where people come together to socialize, reconnect with their roots, and honor their traditions.

Synonyms

celebration, festival, gathering.

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Word Description / Examples
powwow

Used to describe a Native American social gathering or meeting, usually involving music, dance, and cultural ceremonies. The term can also imply a more informal meeting or discussion among people.

  • The tribe held a powwow to celebrate the harvest season.
  • Let's have a quick powwow before the meeting to align our strategies.
gathering

Used for any type of assembly or meeting of people, usually on a smaller scale than a celebration or festival. It can be formal or informal and doesn't necessarily involve festivities.

  • There was a small gathering at her house after the funeral.
  • The community organized a gathering to discuss local issues.
celebration

Appropriate for occasions involving joy and festivities. It can be used for personal, public, or national events marking significant achievements or holidays.

  • We had a grand celebration for her 50th birthday.
  • The city hosted a celebration for Independence Day.
festival

Refers to organized events, often involving cultural, musical, or artistic activities. Festivals typically last for several days and draw large crowds.

  • The film festival showcased movies from around the world.
  • We are looking forward to the summer music festival.

Examples of usage

  • The powwow featured traditional drumming and dancing.
  • Many tribes attend the annual powwow to showcase their unique customs.
  • The powwow is a time for Native Americans to come together and share stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "powwow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reunião

🇮🇳 सभा

🇩🇪 Treffen

🇮🇩 pertemuan

🇺🇦 зібрання

🇵🇱 spotkanie

🇯🇵 集会 (しゅうかい)

🇫🇷 réunion

🇪🇸 reunión

🇹🇷 toplantı

🇰🇷 모임

🇸🇦 اجتماع

🇨🇿 setkání

🇸🇰 stretnutie

🇨🇳 会议 (huìyì)

🇸🇮 srečanje

🇮🇸 fundur

🇰🇿 жиналыс

🇬🇪 შეხვედრა

🇦🇿 görüş

🇲🇽 reunión

Etymology

The word 'powwow' originated from the Narragansett word 'powwaw,' meaning shaman or spiritual leader. It was later adopted by English settlers to refer to a Native American gathering. Powwows have been an integral part of Native American culture for centuries, serving as a way to preserve traditions and foster community connections.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,570 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.