Wigwam: meaning, definitions and examples

Cultural Significance

• Wigwams, known as 'wikiup' to some tribes, served as winter shelters for many Native American groups, providing warmth and comfort.
• Different Native American tribes used various materials for wigwams; for instance, some added reeds or grasses to the structures for insulation.

Etymology

• The word 'wigwam' comes from the Algonquin word 'wēqwa'm', meaning 'a dwelling'.
• Linguists trace usage of the term back to 1610, as European settlers encountered Native American homes.

Architecture

• Wigwams typically feature a circular base with a roof made of wooden poles and either bark or mats, allowing for efficient ventilation.
• These structures can be easily assembled and disassembled, making them ideal for nomadic tribes who moved with the seasons.

Historical Context

• Historically, wigwams were common among tribes in the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada.
• The design of a wigwam reflects the environment and available resources, demonstrating Indigenous peoples' adaptability.

Pop Culture

• Wigwams appear in various movies and books depicting Native American life, often symbolizing traditional ways of living.
• The term has been used in modern songs and literature to evoke nostalgia for simpler, nature-connected lifestyles.

At rank #27,637, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 27634 chalcedony
• 27635 reestablishing
• 27636 objectified
• 27637 wigwam
• 27638 figment
• 27639 slunk
• 27640 gyration
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