totem

American  

[toh-tuhm] / ˈtoʊ təm /

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.

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totem British  

/ 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

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totem Cultural  

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.

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totem Idioms  

1. see low man on the totem pole.

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Other Word Forms

• subtotem
  noun
• totemic
  adjective
• totemically
  adverb

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.

Example Sentences

His sculptures, composed of stacked forms and glazed in natural colors, bring to mind chimneys, duct work and totem poles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

He has become the totem of this game, but he's 24th man on Saturday.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

"It is a totem of celebration for Chinese people and people around the world," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Indeed, it is difficult to think of any place outside the tribal areas of Afghanistan or Waziristan where the firearm is such a cultural totem.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

“I want to help you carve the blank space on your totem, the space you saved for your dance of anger.”

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen

Related Words

• emblem