plural papooses
1
dated, offensive; see usage paragraph below
: an Indigenous baby or young child of North America
2
chiefly British, sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below
: a baby carrier (see baby carrier sense 1) that usually consists of a cloth pouch, wrap, or sling for wearing around the torso
She carried her three-month-old tot Apollo in a leopard print papoose, while wearing an all-black ensemble.—Rebecca Davison
The star gave birth to a daughter … and clearly dotes on the newborn, carrying her around New York in a furry papoose.—Tamara Abraham
Usage of Papoose
The term papoose comes from a Narragansett word. It is regarded as offensive in English because of a history of generalized use that negates distinctions between Indigenous peoples, as well as its appearance in historical documentation of genocide. The British use referring to a style of baby carrier is sometimes regarded as offensive by association.
Cite this Entry
“Papoose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papoose. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
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