tipi

American  

[tee-pee] / ˈti pi /

noun

plural

tipis

1. a variant of teepee.

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tipi British  

/ ˈtiːpɪ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of tepee

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Explanation

The traditional tent-like dwelling of the Plains Indians is called a tipi. Modern tipis are often made of canvas, with flaps at the top allowing smoke to escape. Tipis (also spelled teepee) were historically used by indigenous Americans who lived a nomadic lifestyle, since these dwellings could be easily taken down, carried to a new place, and reassembled. Traditionally, tipis were made with long wooden poles covered by animal skins. A tipi would keep families dry in the rain, cool in hot weather, and warm in the winter with the help of a fire. Tipi comes from the Lakota thípi, "dwelling."

Example Sentences

A few minutes later he stops to show off a series of tipi rings — artifacts of Indigenous life that he’s promised local tribes he’ll protect.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2024

In May, Indian protesters erected a tipi on the pathway of a pipe being built from a nearby water source to the mine.

From Washington Times • Sep. 6, 2023

Dustin Denega built a tipi for shelter in warmer weather, and in colder weather he slept in a trailer in the camp.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2023

A large tipi in front of the secondary school demonstrates how educators are promoting pride in the once-suppressed Indigenous culture.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 22, 2022

“Hey,” he said, “there’s a tipi out back. Let’s go see it, maybe rest a bit before we head on.”

From "In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse" by Joseph Marshall III