kiva

American  

[kee-vuh] / ˈki və /

noun

1. a large chamber, often wholly or partly underground, in a Pueblo Indian village, used for religious ceremonies and other purposes.

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kiva British  

/ ˈkiːvə /

noun

1. a large underground or partly underground room in a Pueblo Indian village, used chiefly for religious ceremonies

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Etymology

Origin of kiva

1870–75, < Hopi kíva ( ki- house + unidentified element)

Example Sentences

It’s an art space, but it also felt, to me, like a holy one, reminiscent of a kiva.

From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2017

In one, a vandal used a rock saw to remove a petroglyph; in one this year someone dug up a pristine ceremonial chamber, or kiva, that had never been professionally excavated.

From Washington Post • Jun. 5, 2016

A great kiva on Dillard’s property offers an interesting contrast to the restored village in Archie’s yard.

From Slate • Jun. 12, 2015

The illustrations depict New Mexico-style furnishings, Indian pottery, kiva fireplaces, vigas and retablos.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2013

He looked at them sitting on the wooden benches that went all the way around the long kiva.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko