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.

---

teepee British  

/ ˈtiːpiː /

noun

1. a variant spelling of tepee

---

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

At the Dakota Access protest, Braun’s teepee was the first to go up at what became Oceti Sakowin camp at Standing Rock.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2022

Gray runs an Airbnb out of her house, with plans to add an 18-foot-high Sioux teepee for guests to sleep in and an art gallery filled with skull-like sculptures she creates from branches and stones.

From Washington Post • Jan. 9, 2022

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

Mrs. Brush sent me into the teepee to recopy the poem neatly for the printer.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter