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totem pole

noun

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

See totem pole defined for English-language learners

See totem pole defined for kids

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First Known Use of totem pole

1880

TOTEM POLE Defined for English Language Learners

totem pole

noun

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

noun

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

  1. See words that rhyme with totem pole Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem pole

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