griot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-frequency, specialized)Formal / Academic / Cultural
Quick answer
What does “griot” mean?
A West African storyteller, oral historian, musician, and praise singer who preserves and transmits cultural knowledge through oral tradition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A West African storyteller, oral historian, musician, and praise singer who preserves and transmits cultural knowledge through oral tradition.
A keeper of tribal history, genealogy, and cultural wisdom; a person who performs the traditional social functions of poetry, music, and storytelling in a community, often serving as a counselor and advisor. In contemporary contexts, the term can be extended metaphorically to refer to any person who acts as a guardian or transmitter of cultural memory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The word is a direct loan used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of cultural preservation, tradition, and oral artistry in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, encountered primarily in academic, cultural, or literary discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “griot” in a Sentence
The griot recounted the history of the kings.He comes from a long line of griots.The village consulted the griot for advice.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “griot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb in standard English. The role is nominal.)
American English
- (Not used as a verb in standard English.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The griot tradition is central to their culture.
American English
- Her performance had a distinct, griot-like quality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, African studies, history, ethnomusicology, and post-colonial literature to describe a specific cultural role.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be used only when discussing specific West African culture or history.
Technical
Used as a precise term in ethnomusicology and anthropology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “griot”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “griot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “griot”
- Pronouncing it like 'grit' (with a short 'i'). The correct pronunciation rhymes with 'rio' in 'Rio de Janeiro'.
- Using it as a general term for any musician or poet.
- Spelling it as 'grio' without the 't'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While traditionally a male-dominated role in many societies, there are notable female griots, often called 'griottes', particularly among certain ethnic groups like the Wolof.
It is a loanword from French, which itself borrowed it from Portuguese 'criado' (meaning 'servant'). It is now a standard, though low-frequency, word in English used in specific contexts.
A griot is a specific type of storyteller with a formal, often hereditary social function. They are historians, genealogists, advisors, and praise singers for a specific family or community, not just entertainers.
Most likely in university courses (African studies, anthropology), books on world music, historical documentaries, or novels set in or about West Africa.
A West African storyteller, oral historian, musician, and praise singer who preserves and transmits cultural knowledge through oral tradition.
Griot is usually formal / academic / cultural in register.
Griot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriː.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡri.oʊ/ or /ɡriˈoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common English usage. The word itself is the culturally specific term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GRIOT = Guardian of Roots, History, and Oral Tradition.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GRIOT IS A LIVING LIBRARY / THE GRIOT IS THE SOCIETY'S MEMORY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a griot?