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
Synonyms for totem
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'
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.
