totem

[ toh-tuhm ]

noun

1. a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group.
2. an object or natural phenomenon that a family or descendant group considers themselves closely related to.
3. a representation of a natural object, animate being, etc., that serves as the distinctive mark or emblem of a clan, family, or group.
4. anything serving as a distinctive, often venerated, emblem or symbol.

totem

/ ˈtəʊtəm; təʊˈtɛmɪk /

noun

1. (in some societies, esp among North American Indians) an object, species of animal or plant, or natural phenomenon symbolizing a clan, family, etc, often having ritual associations
2. a representation of such an object

totem

1. An animal, plant, or other object in nature that has a special relationship to a person, family, or clan and serves as a sign for that person or group.

Derived Forms

• toˈtemically, adverb
• totemic, adjective

Other Words From

• to·tem·ic [toh-, tem, -ik], adjective
• sub·to·tem noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of totem¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1750–60; from Ojibwe ninto·te·m “my totem,” oto·te·man “his totem” (probably originally “my/his clan-village-mate,” derivative of stem o·te·- “dwell in or as a village”; compare o·te·na “village”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of totem¹

C18: from Ojibwa nintōtēm mark of my family

Idioms and Phrases

see low man on the totem pole .

Example Sentences

Today, Vessel USA manufactures some of Architectural Pottery’s original designs as new generations of consumers discover the planters, pots and totems that still stand as visual signatures of midcentury modernism.

From Los Angeles Times

Politically, we live in volatile times, which makes the hair-trigger Trump a perfect totem for our unpredictable age.

From Los Angeles Times

In that way, like other fake populist and charismatic leaders, Trump is a symbol, totem, and hero who they can live through vicariously.

From Salon

It is true that every presidential candidate becomes, to some extent, a symbol or totem.

From Salon

What Lévi-Strauss concluded about totems can be applied to dioramas, too.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• emblem