Powwow

Quick meaning: Powwow is a noun meaning A ritual conducted by a Native American shaman.

Meaning

A ritual conducted by a Native American shaman.

More Meanings

1. A Native American shaman. [from 17th c.]
2. A Native American council or meeting.
3. (informal) A short, private conference. [from 19th c.]
4. A tradition of folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
5. (intransitive, of Native Americans) To hold a meeting; to gather together in council.
6. (intransitive, of Native Americans and by extension other groups, such as the Pennsylvania Dutch) To conduct a ritual in which magic is used.
7. (Canada, US) A large gathering during which Indigenous songs and dances are showcased for an audience, essentially a recital or concert. Often also doubles as a fundraiser, or can be held in conjunction with a non-indigenous fair or exhibition in order to attract a large crowd, as at the Calgary Stampede and K-Days.

Example Sentences

Maybe no one— except possibly Leah— powwowed anymore.

On the way out, Octavio handed me a flyer for the powwow that listed the prize money in each dance category.

While the powwow was going on the big woman came back again. She was consider'ble rumpled and scratched up, but there was fire in her eye.

[The] Indians saw everything that happened and powwowed all night, needing more than anything else the presence of Tecumseh. The most aggressive element was the Winnebagos, who insisted on attacking.

Word Forms

• powwows
• pow wow
• pow-wow
• powwowing
• powwowed

Synonyms for powwow

Depending on context, synonyms include huddle.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include huddle, pow-wow, meeting, pow, pawaw, sundance.

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