powwow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-mediumInformal; the ceremonial sense is standard.
Quick answer
What does “powwow” mean?
A meeting, gathering, or discussion, often for planning or decision-making.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A meeting, gathering, or discussion, often for planning or decision-making; also, a ceremonial gathering of North American Indigenous people involving dancing, singing, and celebration.
An informal, often impromptu meeting to discuss something; to hold a meeting or discussion; to deliberate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Much more common in American English. In British English, it is understood but less frequently used; 'meeting', 'gathering', or 'huddle' are preferred for the informal sense. The ceremonial sense is recognised cross-culturally.
Connotations
US informal: often neutral or slightly playful for a quick meeting. UK: often perceived as an Americanism; may carry stronger connotations of cultural appropriation if used carelessly.
Frequency
High-frequency in informal US business/casual contexts for the 'meeting' sense. Low-frequency in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “powwow” in a Sentence
[Subject] powwows with [NP] about [NP/V-ing][Subject] has/holds a powwowLet's powwow (on/about X).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “powwow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We should powwow about the marketing strategy.
- The managers are powwowing in the conference room.
American English
- Let's powwow after the game to plan the trip.
- The team powwowed for an hour to solve the problem.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'Let's powwow after lunch to finalise the figures.'
Academic
Used in anthropology, history, or Indigenous studies to describe the cultural ceremony.
Everyday
Informal US: 'We had a family powwow to decide on the holiday plans.'
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields outside cultural studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “powwow”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “powwow”
- Using it in formal writing. / Using it to refer to any large meeting without awareness of its cultural origins. / Spelling as 'pow-wow' (hyphenated form is dated but acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. The term originates from the Narragansett word 'powwaw' (spiritual leader). Using it for a casual business meeting appropriates and trivialises a significant cultural and spiritual practice. Many consider it insensitive, and alternatives like 'meeting' or 'huddle' are recommended.
Yes, especially in informal American English (e.g., 'Let's powwow about it'). Its use as a verb also stems from the same colonial reinterpretation.
A powwow is a specific, often intertribal, social and ceremonial gathering of Indigenous peoples of North America with dance, music, and regalia. A 'meeting' is a general term for people coming together. Using 'powwow' as a synonym for 'meeting' conflates the two distinct concepts.
Use 'powwow' with respect and specificity (e.g., 'an annual powwow', 'a traditional powwow'). Capitalising it as a proper noun (Powwow) when referring to the specific event is also a sign of respect, though not universally standardised.
A meeting, gathering, or discussion, often for planning or decision-making.
Powwow is usually informal; the ceremonial sense is standard. in register.
Powwow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊ.waʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊ.waʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No major idioms, but the verb 'to powwow' is itself idiomatic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound of drums at a gathering: 'POW-WOW' mimics the rhythmic beat, linking to its core meaning of a meeting or ceremony.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEETING IS A CEREMONIAL GATHERING (source domain: Indigenous cultural practice).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'powwow' most appropriate and respectful?