Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Teepee: meaning, definitions and examples

⛺
Add to dictionary

teepee

 

[ˈtiːpiː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

Native American shelter

A teepee, also spelled tipi, is a conical tent traditionally used by Native American tribes of the Great Plains. It is characterized by its conical shape, made with a framework of wooden poles and covered with hides or canvas. Historically, teepees were portable and could be easily assembled or disassembled, making them ideal for the nomadic lifestyle of many tribes. Today, teepees are sometimes used for camping, educational purposes, or as a cultural symbol.

Synonyms

lodge, tent, tipi.

Examples of usage

  • We set up a teepee for our camping trip.
  • The children learned about Native American culture while visiting a teepee.
  • She decorated her backyard with a colorful teepee for the kids.
  • The festival featured a large teepee where traditional stories were told.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Teepees originated from the Plains Indigenous peoples, who used them as portable homes that could be set up and taken down easily.
  • The term 'teepee' comes from the Lakota Sioux word 'tipi,' meaning 'a dwelling.'
  • Traditionally, teepees were made from buffalo hides stretched over a frame of wooden poles.

Cultural Significance

  • The design of a teepee is not just functional; its shape helps with ventilation and warmth, making it suitable for various climates.
  • Teepees served as more than just homes; they were central to cultural practices and gatherings, often reflecting the social status of the family within a tribe.
  • Different tribes decorated their teepees with unique symbols and patterns, which represented family histories and spiritual beliefs.

Modern Usage

  • Today, teepees are used as a symbol of Native American culture and are often built in parks for camping or educational purposes.
  • Some contemporary architectural designs incorporate teepee elements as a nod to indigenous architecture.
  • Teepees have gained popularity in festival culture, often used as cozy and unique camping accommodations.

Art and Literature

  • Teepees appear frequently in Native American art, representing a connection to nature and traditional ways of life.
  • In literature, many stories featuring Native American characters depict their homes as teepees, emphasizing their cultural heritage.
  • Children’s books often illustrate teepees to teach about Native American history, making it a recognizable aspect of their culture.

Environmental Adaptation

  • The teepee's structure provides efficient heat distribution, making it warmer inside during cold weather compared to traditional flat-roofed homes.
  • Made primarily from natural materials, teepees are an example of sustainable living that respects the environment.
  • The design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, facilitating mobility for communities who depended on migrating with herds.

Translations

Translations of the word "teepee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tenda indígena

🇮🇳 टीपी

🇩🇪 Tipi

🇮🇩 teepee

🇺🇦 тіпі

🇵🇱 tipi

🇯🇵 ティーピー

🇫🇷 tipi

🇪🇸 tipi

🇹🇷 tipi

🇰🇷 티피

🇸🇦 تيبي

🇨🇿 teepee

🇸🇰 teepee

🇨🇳 帐篷

🇸🇮 tipi

🇮🇸 teepee

🇰🇿 типи

🇬🇪 ტიპი

🇦🇿 tipi

🇲🇽 tipi

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,326, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.