What does "powwow" mean?
A ritual conducted by a Native American shaman.
Powwow
/ˈpaʊ(ˌ)waʊ/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A ritual conducted by a Native American shaman.
- Grammar: powwow is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: advise, advise with, attend, audience.
- Useful contrasts: avoid, conflict, debate.
- Usage evidence: While the powwow was going on the big woman came back again. She was consider'ble rumpled and scratched up, but there was fire in her eye.
How to use "powwow"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "powwow" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "powwow" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "powwow" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "powwow" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A ritual conducted by a Native American shaman.
- 2 (informal) a quick private conference wordnet
- 3 A Native American shaman.
- 4 a council of or with Native Americans wordnet
- 5 A Native American council or meeting.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A short, private conference. informal
"While the powwow was going on the big woman came back again. She was consider'ble rumpled and scratched up, but there was fire in her eye."
- 7 A large gathering during which Indigenous songs and dances are showcased for an audience, essentially a recital or concert. Often also doubles as a fundraiser, or can be held in conjunction with a non-indigenous fair or exhibition in order to attract a large crowd, as at the Calgary Stampede and K-Days. Canada, US
"On the way out, Octavio handed me a flyer for the powwow that listed the prize money in each dance category."
- 8 A tradition of folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Verb
- 1 To hold a meeting; to gather together in council. intransitive
"[The] Indians saw everything that happened and powwowed all night, needing more than anything else the presence of Tecumseh. The most aggressive element was the Winnebagos, who insisted on attacking."
- 2 hold a powwow, talk, conference or meeting wordnet
- 3 To conduct a ritual in which magic is used. intransitive
"Maybe no one— except possibly Leah— powwowed anymore."
- 4 To hold a private conference. informal, intransitive, offensive, often
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"While the powwow was going on the big woman came back again. She was consider'ble rumpled and scratched up, but there was fire in her eye."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "powwow"?
Common synonyms include: advise, advise with, attend, audience, bargain, bargaining.
How do you use "powwow" in a sentence?
While the powwow was going on the big woman came back again. She was consider'ble rumpled and scratched up, but there was fire in her eye.
How do you pronounce "powwow"?
Pronounced /ˈpaʊ(ˌ)waʊ/.
Etymology
From an Eastern Algonquian language, probably Massachusett pauwau (“he uses divination; he practices magic or sorcery”) or Narragansett powwáw (“sorcerer, shaman”), ultimately from Proto-Algonquian *pawe·wa (“one who dreams”).