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
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of totem pole
1880
First Known Use of totem pole
1880
TOTEM POLE Defined for English Language Learners
totem pole
Definition of totem pole for English Language Learners
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: a tall usually wooden pole that is carved and painted with symbols, figures, or masks which represent different Native American tribes
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—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
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See words that rhyme with totem pole Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem pole
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