totem
What is another word for totem? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.
Noun — An animal, plant, or natural object treated as a sacred emblem of a family, clan, or tribe, believed to have a spiritual connection to that group.
We haven't recorded synonyms for totem yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use totem
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
totem pole
tribal totem
family totem
Etymology
Borrowed from Ojibwe odoodem, meaning "his kinship group" or clan emblem.
Full origin of totem →Frequently asked questions
What does “totem” mean?
The word “totem” means an animal, plant, or natural object treated as a sacred emblem of a family, clan, or tribe, believed to have a spiritual connection to that group. In plain terms, an object or symbol that stands for a family, group, or idea, often with spiritual meaning.
How do you pronounce “totem”?
“Totem” is pronounced TOH-tuhm (/ˈtoʊtəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “totem” in a sentence?
Here is “totem” used in a sentence: “The eagle was the totem of her grandmother's clan.”
What part of speech is “totem”?
“Totem” is a noun.
Is “totem” a common word?
“Totem” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “totem” have?
“Totem” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an animal, plant, or natural object treated as a sacred emblem of a family, clan, or tribe, believed to have a spiritual connection to that group.
