totem

noun

to·​tem ˈtō-təm 

1

a

: an object (such as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry

also : a usually carved or painted representation of such an object

b

: a family or clan identified by a common totemic object

2

: one that serves as an emblem or revered symbol

Did you know?

Totem Has Roots in an Algonquian Language

Totem comes to us from Ojibwa, an Algonquian language spoken by an American Indian people from the regions around Lake Superior. The most basic form of the word in Ojibwa is believed to be ote, but 18th-century English speakers encountered it as ototeman (meaning "his totem"), which became our word totem. In its most specific sense, totem refers to an emblematic depiction of an animal or plant that gives a family or clan its name and that often serves as a reminder of its ancestry. The term is also used broadly for any person or thing having particular emblematic or symbolic importance. The related adjective totemic describes something that serves as a totem, that depicts totems ("totemic basketry," for example), or that has the nature of a totem.

Synonyms

• emblem
• ensign
• hallmark
• impresa
• logo
• symbol
• trademark

Examples of totem in a Sentence

Private jets are a totem of success among extremely wealthy people.

the bald eagle, that universally recognized totem of our country

Recent Examples on the Web

Inspired by California landscapes, the collection, with pieces ranging from $5,500 to $20,000, is made up of eight pieces: a handcrafted dining table, a drinks table, benches, a totem, a side table and stool. —Marques Harper, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024

In a remote tropical region, where tarmac is a totem of progress, no self-respecting mayor would snub such a bequest. —Mac Margolis, NPR, 12 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Ojibwa oto·te·man his totem

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing totem

• low man on the totem pole
• totem pole

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Kids Definition

totem

noun

to·​tem ˈtōt-əm 

1

: an object (as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan

2

: something usually carved or painted to represent a totem

totemic

tō-ˈtem-ik

adjective