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totem

[ˈtoʊtəm]

totem Definition

a natural object or animal believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and adopted by it as an emblem.

Using totem: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "totem" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The eagle is a totem of the Native American tribe.

  • Example

    The wolf is a totem of the clan.

  • Example

    The totem pole is a symbol of the tribe's history and beliefs.

totem Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with totem

  • an animal that is believed to have spiritual significance and is adopted as an emblem by a particular society

    Example

    The bear is a totem animal of many Native American tribes.

  • a tall wooden pole carved with totemic figures, typically made by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America

    Example

    The totem pole tells the story of the tribe's history and beliefs.

  • the belief in the spiritual significance of natural objects or animals and the practice of adopting them as emblems

    Example

    Totemism is an important part of many indigenous cultures.

Origins of totem

from Ojibwe 'odoodem', meaning 'his kinship group'

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Summary: totem in Brief

The term 'totem' [ˈtoʊtəm] refers to a natural object or animal that has spiritual significance and is adopted by a society as an emblem. It is often used in the context of Native American tribes and their beliefs, as exemplified by 'The eagle is a totem of the Native American tribe.' 'Totem' extends into phrases like 'totem animal,' and 'totem pole,' denoting the use of totems as symbols and representations.

How do native speakers use this expression?