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wampum

noun

ˈwäm-pəm How to pronounce wampum (audio)
Definition of wampumnext
as in money
something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment made some real wampum on that last business deal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wampum Today, Mohegan Tribal Elder, Beth Regan presented Alissa Pili gifts from the Mohegan Tribe including a wampum necklace to honor her journey into the @WNBA as and Indigenous woman. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2024 Entering the New-York Historical Society from Central Park West, all visitors come upon a section of wampum belt and the kind of statement that in the last several years has become standard fare at cultural institutions. — Marc Tracy, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 Similar stories played out with other forms of money, such as wampum beads. — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Some of their gear—a pair of shoes, a VHF radio, a wampum sash worth several thousand dollars—now resides on the canal’s bottom. — Ben McGrath, The New Yorker, 3 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for wampum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wampum
  1. money
  2. cash
  3. coin
  4. currency
  5. bucks
  6. gold
Noun
  • In each case, the contracts were built off of what would stand as less than mid-level money, with both having higher potential upside.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, two coaches making almost identical money were standing on opposite sidelines Saturday night trying to revive two programs with almost identical problems.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of money
Noun
  • On September 18, the FCC approved an enormous infusion of foreign cash to finance the deal.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The award determined by audience ballot comes with a $10,000 cash prize.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of cash
Noun
  • The actresses alternate between the roles of Electra/Elisabeth and Clytemnestra/Alma each night, depending on a coin toss.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • There are also 118 physical meters still active across the downtown and beach areas that accept bills and coins.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of coin
Noun
  • Japan's currency, bond yields, and stock market did exactly the opposite.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Up to 40% of the crude used by the Dangote Refinery comes from outside the country, while a similar share is sourced from a government scheme that sells in the local currency.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of currency
Noun
  • Fiji’s growing epidemic bucks the trend globally, where enormous progress has been made against HIV.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Jason is currently earning a few extra bucks wiping down counters and hauling ice at a bar, which is even less glamorous than teaching science to disengaged students.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of bucks
Noun
  • Founded in 1537 as a storehouse for Andean gold, it was cut off from the rest of Colombia when the river’s main channel silted over in the early 20th century.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Hathaway has also paired gold Gianvito Rossi stiletto sandals with a teal dress, and fuchsia and red cap-toe Aquazzura slingback pumps with jeans and a Prabal Gurung top.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of gold

Browse Nearby Words

waltz (up)
wampum
wan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wampum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wampum. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wampum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wampum

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