travois: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareAcademic/Historical
Quick answer
What does “travois” mean?
A simple sled-like vehicle used by indigenous peoples of North America, consisting of two poles and a platform or net for dragging loads.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple sled-like vehicle used by indigenous peoples of North America, consisting of two poles and a platform or net for dragging loads.
May refer to any similar primitive dragging device used in various cultures for transport.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both dialects use the term similarly in specialized contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, with cultural specificity; evokes historical or indigenous traditions.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily found in academic or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “travois” in a Sentence
used as a noun in phrases like 'travois pulled by horses'travois for transporting goodsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in history, anthropology, and cultural studies texts to describe traditional transport methods.
Everyday
Rarely used; mostly in educational discussions or specific cultural references.
Technical
Used in archaeological and ethnographic descriptions of indigenous technologies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “travois”
- Misspelling as 'travoise', mispronouncing as /ˈtrævɔɪz/ with a voiced 'z' sound.
- Using it as a verb in standard English (e.g., 'to travois').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely, mostly in historical reenactments, by some traditional communities, or in educational demonstrations.
Dogs were initially used, and later horses after their introduction by Europeans.
In American English, it's pronounced /trəˈvɔɪ/; in British English, it's often /ˈtrævwɑː/.
No, it is primarily a noun; using it as a verb (e.g., 'to travois') is non-standard and rare.
A simple sled-like vehicle used by indigenous peoples of North America, consisting of two poles and a platform or net for dragging loads.
Travois is usually academic/historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'travel' and 'voice' – a travois was a voice for travel in ancient times, helping people move.
Conceptual Metaphor
Dragging burdens; simplicity and efficiency in primitive transport.
Practice
Quiz
What is a travois primarily used for?