powwow
powwow — noun
- powwowsingular
- powwowsplural
1. a gathering or ceremony organized by Native American or other Indigenous peoples
a gathering or ceremony organized by Native American or other Indigenous peoples, where members of the community come together to dance, sing, eat, hold spiritual rituals, and make decisions affecting the group.
The annual powwow at Pine Ridge brought together dancers from more than a dozen tribes.
cultural event involving multiple tribes
Charlotte bought a new shawl to wear during the women's traditional dance at the powwow.
Tomás learned to make a hand drum with his uncle before the summer powwow.
The powwow began with a grand entry procession led by veterans carrying eagle staffs.
Diya photographed the beadwork and ribbon skirts at the annual powwow for her school project.
用法筆記
This sense refers to a specific cultural event of Indigenous peoples, especially in North America. A powwow can last several days and includes specific traditions such as the grand entry, drum circles, and dance competitions. Capitalize Powwow when referring to a named event (e.g., 'the Crow Fair Powwow').
常見錯誤
2. a gathering for discussing important matters — this extended, non-Indigenous mea
a gathering for discussing important matters — this extended, non-Indigenous meaning of the word is now widely considered offensive and culturally appropriative by many Indigenous communities.
The department heads had a quick powwow to settle the budget before the deadline.
non-Indigenous use — see usage note
After class, Eshe and her group members held a powwow about their science fair project.
The neighbours organised a powwow on the front lawn to discuss the street repairs.
Léa called a powwow with the volunteers to set the schedule for the drive.
- meeting
neutral, widely preferred; no cultural appropriation concern
- discussion
focuses on talk rather than the event; safe alternative
- conference
more formal; suitable for workplace settings
用法筆記
Many Native American and Indigenous activists consider this generalized sense offensive because it takes a sacred cultural term and uses it for any ordinary discussion. Avoid using 'powwow' to mean 'a meeting' or 'a chat.' Preferred alternatives: 'gathering,' 'meeting,' 'discussion session,' or 'strategy session.' This sense is increasingly seen as dated and inappropriate in formal and published writing.
常見錯誤
powwow — verb
- powwowpresent simple I / you / we / they
- powwows3rd person singular
- powwowing-ing form
- powwowedpast simple
1. to meet and discuss something — this verb form extends the noun meaning, and lik
to meet and discuss something — this verb form extends the noun meaning, and like the generalized noun sense, is now widely regarded as culturally appropriative when used in non-Indigenous contexts.
The coaches powwowed on the sidelines for several minutes before announcing the new lineup.
intransitive use; see usage note on cultural sensitivity
Selim and his colleagues powwowed over the proposal until well past midnight.
Asher powwowed with the event organisers to finalise the list of guest speakers.
The residents' committee powwowed about the rising cost of water bills.
文法句型
powwow + about/over [topic]
powwow + with [someone]
用法筆記
The verb 'powwow' (past tense 'powwowed') is intransitive — it does not take a direct object. You powwow with someone or about something, but you cannot 'powwow a plan.' This verb form carries the same cultural sensitivity concerns as the generalized noun sense (noun/2). Most style guides recommend avoiding it entirely in non-Indigenous contexts. Use 'discuss,' 'confer,' 'meet,' or 'talk it over' instead.