powwow
1 synonym for powwow, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A gathering, especially of Native American communities, featuring dancing, singing, and ceremony.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use powwow
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
have a powwow
quick powwow
Using powwow to mean a casual business meeting can be seen as trivializing its Indigenous cultural and ceremonial origins — use with care.
Etymology
From an Eastern Algonquian word, likely Narragansett powwaw, meaning "shaman" or "one who practices magic".
Full origin of powwow →Frequently asked questions
What does “powwow” mean?
The word “powwow” means a gathering, especially of Native American communities, featuring dancing, singing, and ceremony. In plain terms, originally a Native American ceremonial gathering; now also used loosely for any quick meeting or chat.
How do you pronounce “powwow”?
“Powwow” is pronounced POW-wow (/ˈpaʊ(ˌ)waʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “powwow” in a sentence?
Here is “powwow” used in a sentence: “The tribe hosts an annual powwow that draws visitors from across the country.”
What part of speech is “powwow”?
Depending on how it is used, “powwow” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “powwow” have?
“Powwow” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a gathering, especially of Native American communities, featuring dancing, singing, and ceremony.
