pipe of peace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Historical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “pipe of peace” mean?
A long-stemmed ceremonial pipe, traditionally smoked by certain Indigenous peoples of the Americas as a ritual to seal a treaty or agreement, symbolizing peace and goodwill.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long-stemmed ceremonial pipe, traditionally smoked by certain Indigenous peoples of the Americas as a ritual to seal a treaty or agreement, symbolizing peace and goodwill.
Any object, gesture, or symbolic act intended to initiate reconciliation or peaceful negotiations between parties in conflict. Often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The alternative term 'peace pipe' is slightly more common in American English due to greater cultural familiarity with the reference.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of solemnity, tradition, and a definitive end to hostility. In American English, it is more directly linked to stereotypical depictions of Native American culture.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. More likely to appear in historical writing, literature, or figurative political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “pipe of peace” in a Sentence
[Subject] smoked the pipe of peace with [opposing party].[Subject] offered the pipe of peace to [recipient].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically in high-level negotiations: 'The CEOs finally smoked the pipe of peace after the merger dispute.'
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, and cultural studies contexts discussing Indigenous rituals or diplomatic history.
Everyday
Very rare. Potentially used humorously or figuratively: 'I brought cake to the meeting as my pipe of peace.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pipe of peace”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pipe of peace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pipe of peace”
- Using it in casual contexts where a simpler term like 'peace offering' or 'apology' would suffice. Confusing it with 'peace pipe' (no difference in meaning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonymous. 'Peace pipe' is a more common modern compound noun, while 'pipe of peace' is a slightly more traditional or literary phrasing.
It would sound very unusual and poetic. In everyday situations, phrases like 'make peace,' 'bury the hatchet,' or 'extend an olive branch' are more natural.
It originates from the ceremonial traditions of various Indigenous peoples of North America, where smoking a sacred pipe (calumet) was a central part of forging treaties and alliances.
When used respectfully and accurately in a historical or appropriate metaphorical context, it is not offensive. However, using it flippantly or perpetuating stereotypes about Native American culture should be avoided.
A long-stemmed ceremonial pipe, traditionally smoked by certain Indigenous peoples of the Americas as a ritual to seal a treaty or agreement, symbolizing peace and goodwill.
Pipe of peace is usually literary, historical, figurative in register.
Pipe of peace: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpaɪp əv ˈpiːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpaɪp əv ˈpiːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To smoke the pipe of peace (with someone) = to make peace, to reconcile.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PIPE that, when smoked, releases not smoke but little white doves (symbols of PEACE).
Conceptual Metaphor
A RITUAL OBJECT IS A CONTRACT; SMOKING IS SEALING AN AGREEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern figurative sense, what does 'offering a pipe of peace' primarily signify?