noun / verb
powwow
POW-wow/ˈpaʊwaʊ/
A gathering of Native American people for cultural or ceremonial activities.
Families gather at the powwow to watch the dancers and hear the drum.
Etymology
Powwaw, probably Narragansett, named a shaman or medicine man. In English, the word shifted from the person to a ceremony, then broadened to a council, conference, or discussion meeting.
More examples
- Visitors are welcome at the tribe's public powwow.
- Several drum groups perform at the powwow.
- Our family travels to powwows throughout the summer.
Forms
powwow · powwows · powwowed · powwowing