teepee
Americannoun
-
teepees
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The property includes a lodge, a teepee, a basketball court, a number of ponds and creeks, and several hunting areas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
At the time, he was face down on a soft cushion inside a teepee in the nursery's baby room.
From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2026
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
Twiggy brush, wire fencing or a teepee strung with string all provide purchase for the vines’ fine curling tendrils to cling to.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2022
She would have walked right past and never guessed a swing set, toddler’s slide, and teepee play structure were hiding behind the wall of foliage.
From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Hides for clothing and teepees, bones for tools and weapons, horns for ladles, hair for rope — a steady supply of bison was fundamental.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 2022
Around it were teepees, campfires and booths labeled “Mental Health and Cultural Support.”
From New York Times ● Jul. 25, 2022
“They set up this little community, put their teepees up and had some tents donated, and there were kids everywhere,” Thompson said, sobbing.
From National Geographic ● Dec. 21, 2020
She expressed displeasure with the teepees and wagons for lodging, saying they contrast with the intent of the planned Native American memorial.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 19, 2020
Some homes there are teepees, stitched together from rags.
From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
