totem pole

American  

noun

1. a pole or post carved and painted with totemic figures, erected by Indians of the northwest coast of North America, especially in front of their houses.

2. a hierarchical system.

   the bureaucratic totem pole.

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totem pole British  

noun

1. a pole carved or painted with totemic figures set up by certain North American Indians, esp those of the NW Pacific coast, within a village as a tribal symbol or, sometimes, in memory of a dead person

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totem pole Cultural  

1. Among some Native Americans, a pole on which totems are carved. The totem pole usually stands in front of a house or shelter.

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A totem pole is thought of figuratively as a symbol (see also symbol) of a hierarchy: “Where does she stand on the totem pole?”

Etymology

Origin of totem pole

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“Spatial awareness is always bottom of the totem pole.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I was the low man on that totem pole,” Reid said.

From Los Angeles Times

“With the lack of sleep and everything else that comes along with new parenthood, and all of the uncertainties, finances should be the last thing on the totem pole.”

From Seattle Times

“I was a skinny freshman — a low man on the totem pole — and this made me feel like a rebel.’

From New York Times

On your way toward the Pier 86 Grain Terminal, keep an eye out for the rose garden and totem pole as you walk through Centennial Park.

From Seattle Times