noun
wigwam
WIHG-wahm
Wigwam (noun) means a domed dwelling built with a frame of bent poles covered in bark, hides, or mats, traditionally used by some Native American peoples. Example: “The museum has a full-size replica of a traditional wigwam.”
noun
1
A domed dwelling built with a frame of bent poles covered in bark, hides, or mats, traditionally used by some Native American peoples.
"The museum has a full-size replica of a traditional wigwam."
How to use wigwam
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional dome-shaped Native American dwelling made from bent poles and bark or hide covering.
Common mistake
Often confused with a tepee, which is cone-shaped rather than domed and used by different Plains peoples.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- wigwams
- Third person singular
- wigwams
- Past tense
- wigwammed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum has a full-size replica of a traditional _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from an Eastern Algonquian word (Abenaki wigwôm or Penobscot wigwom) meaning "house."
Frequently asked questions
What does “wigwam” mean?
The word “wigwam” means a domed dwelling built with a frame of bent poles covered in bark, hides, or mats, traditionally used by some Native American peoples. In plain terms, a traditional dome-shaped Native American dwelling made from bent poles and bark or hide covering.
How do you pronounce “wigwam”?
“Wigwam” is pronounced WIHG-wahm (/ˈwɪɡwɑːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “wigwam” in a sentence?
Here is “wigwam” used in a sentence: “The museum has a full-size replica of a traditional wigwam.”
What part of speech is “wigwam”?
“Wigwam” is a noun.
