totem
Americannoun
-
a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group.
-
an object or natural phenomenon that a family or descendant group considers themselves closely related to.
-
a representation of a natural object, animate being, etc., that serves as the distinctive mark or emblem of a clan, family, or group.
-
anything serving as a distinctive, often venerated, emblem or symbol.
noun
-
(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
-
a representation of such an object
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of totem
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”)
Explanation
A totem is an emblem or badge that features an animal or plant. Each totem represents a family, clan, or tribe. Do you come from a long line of fishermen? Perhaps your family’s totem is a trout. Any group can have a totem, but the word totem is from the Algonquian (Native American) word odoodeman for "his family mark." Totems are pictures — usually on badges or emblems — of animals or plants that represent a group of people, especially an extended family or clan. A totem could be a grizzly bear, oak tree, catfish, or just about any other living thing. Like a flag, a totem means a lot to the people it represents.
Vocabulary lists containing totem
Born a Crime
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Art History
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Ear, the Eye and the Arm
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The Franco-Beninese artist King Houndekpinkou presented "White Totem of Light", a column composed of ceramic fragments recovered from a factory in Cairo.
From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025
The crowd fills up the park and people gather until the Tulip Totem arrives.
From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025
The original purpose of the facility was to supply fuel to two vessels operated by Totem Ocean Trailer Express.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 24, 2024
In Kirkland, a Korean barbecue spot, Seoul Meat Co., opened in the Village at Totem Lake, open for daily dinner service.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2023
An open book, something called Totem and Taboo, lay beside it.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
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.
