powwow
a large gathering organized by Native Americans for socializing, dancing, singing, and celebrating their culture.
a council or conference of or with Native Americans.
(historically, among North American Indians) a ceremony accompanied by spiritual, religious, and ritual practices, along with dancing, performed for the cure of disease, success in a hunt, etc.
(among Native Americans) a priest or shaman.
Informal: Often Offensive. any conference or meeting.
to hold a powwow, such as a cultural gathering, council, or spiritual ceremony for Native Americans.
Informal: Often Offensive. to confer.
Origin of powwow
1usage note For powwow
When speaking or writing about members of Tribal Nations or First Nations, it’s best to understand the history and governance of the group in question, and to reflect the language used by the members of this specific tribe or nation. Fidelity to the group’s own naming is important. In other contexts, these Native-evoking words can and should be replaced with more neutral language, where your boss is not “the chief” and there is no need for a “powwow” because teams of co-workers can just chat, meet up, or have a brainstorming session.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use powwow in a sentence
Olbermann's attacks on Fox had previously been the subject of NBC/Fox powwows, and even an apparent one-time peace accord.
The good Quaker often visited the Indians at their councils, or at their "powwows," as their festive gatherings were called.
The Story of American History | Albert F. BlaisdellNo doubt you have heard and seen many such powwows, dear Jack.
They were writing giddy little lists and having all kinds of solemn powwows with Miss Stuart.
Polly's First Year at Boarding School | Dorothy WhitehillTidewater officials held solemn powwows with the chiefs, gave wampum strings, and forthwith incorporated.
Pioneers of the Old Southwest | Constance Lindsay Skinner
We fared royally, worked healthfully in the shade of our trees, and enjoyed huge smokes and powwows around our fire of an evening.
Gold | Stewart White
British Dictionary definitions for powwow
/ (ˈpaʊˌwaʊ) /
a talk, conference, or meeting
a magical ceremony of certain North American Indians, usually accompanied by feasting and dancing
(among certain North American Indians) a medicine man
a meeting of or negotiation with North American Indians
(intr) to hold a powwow
Origin of powwow
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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