teepee

American  

[tee-pee] / ˈti pi /

Or tepee,

noun

1. a tent of the American Indians, made usually from animal skins laid on a conical frame of long poles and having an opening at the top for ventilation and a flap door.

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teepee British  

/ ˈtiːpiː /

noun

1. a variant spelling of tepee

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Etymology

Origin of teepee

An Americanism first recorded in 1735–45; from Dakota tʰípi, equivalent to tʰí- “to dwell” + -pi plural indefinite abstract noun suffix

Compare meaning

How does teepee compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• wigwam vs. teepee

Example Sentences

The lavvu, a traditional Sámi structure that resembles a teepee or a tent, is insulated with reindeer skins, and in the center, on a floor of twigs, a hearth.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2023

From teepee style to canopied and full-on camping quality, there’s a slew to choose from.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2021

Kranz said she uses bamboo stakes to build a simple teepee over the plant so it can climb as it grows.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2021

Pursuing the animals on horseback, they ate fresh or dried buffalo meat and used the hides for clothing and for their distinctive portable dwelling, the teepee.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

Leaf shadows and sunlight dappled the backs of her hands as she crawled after James into the teepee.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman