totem pole

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.

totem pole

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

totem pole

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of totem pole¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

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

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

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“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.”

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

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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.

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