-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- transgender beleaguer scaramouch non sequitur admiral's mast
- ALL
totem pole
Definition of totem pole
1 : a pole or pillar carved and painted with a series of totemic symbols representing family lineage and often mythical or historical incidents and erected by Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America
2 : an order of rank : hierarchy
Read the Latest from M-W
Illustration of totem pole
First Known Use of totem pole
1880
TOTEM POLE Defined for English Language Learners
totem pole
Definition of totem pole for English Language Learners
-
: a tall usually wooden pole that is carved and painted with symbols, figures, or masks which represent different Native American tribes
-
—used to describe someone's position or level in a company or organization
TOTEM POLE Defined for Kids
totem pole
Definition of totem pole for Students
: a usually wooden pole or pillar carved and painted with totems and set up by American Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America
Learn More about totem pole
-
See words that rhyme with totem pole Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem pole
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up totem pole? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!