griot

American  

[gree-oh, gree-oh, gree-ot] / griˈoʊ, ˈgri oʊ, ˈgri ɒt /

noun

1. a member of a hereditary caste among the peoples of western Africa whose function is to keep an oral history of the tribe or village and to entertain with stories, poems, songs, dances, etc.

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griot British  

/ ˈɡriːəʊ, ɡriːˈɒt /

noun

1. (in Western Africa) a member of a caste responsible for maintaining an oral record of tribal history in the form of music, poetry, and storytelling

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Etymology

Origin of griot

1955–60; < French, earlier guiriot, perhaps ultimately < Portuguese criado domestic servant, altered in W African coastal creoles

Explanation

In West Africa, a griot is a storyteller, poet, or musician. The performances of griots often involve relaying the history and genealogy of a particular tribe. In many parts of West Africa, including Mali, Senegal, and Niger, griots act as troubadours or minstrels, entertaining audiences with songs and stories. At the same time, griots are responsible for keeping history, traditions, and family stories alive. They also frequently keep up on current events and report local news. These wandering bards have always been considered high-ranking members of society.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

griot

Order a round of fritters, a rum punch and a plate of griot, a citrusy pork dish that is slow-braised and then fried until crisp.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Among Bernie Houston’s exuberant, driftwood-derived characters is a purple-garbed Mardi Gras reveler, while Ibou N’Diaye’s stylized, carved-wood figures include a guitar-playing griot in a dynamic pose.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 7, 2023

Tazewell’s text is voiced by a griot character, on Thursday the bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green, who calls out to the audience and initiates the piece’s titular sense of gathering.

From New York Times ● Mar. 3, 2023

She curates an archive of griot poetics and a related performance series at L.A.'s music and archive venue 2220 Arts + Archives, a space she runs with friends.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2022

The griot role has traditionally been one to preserve historical narratives and oral traditions, with many serving as key figures in society as the primary storytellers of their people.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 1, 2022