Dictionary
totem pole
noun
: a tall usually wooden pole that is carved and painted with symbols, figures, or masks which represent different Native American tribes
—used to describe someone's position or level in a company or organization
Full Definition of TOTEM POLE
1
: a pole or pillar carved and painted with a series of totemic symbols representing family lineage and often mythical or historical incidents and erected by Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America
2
: an order of rank : hierarchy
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Illustration of TOTEM POLE
First Known Use of TOTEM POLE
1880
Rhymes with TOTEM POLE
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TOTEM POLE Defined for Kids
totem pole
noun
Definition of TOTEM POLE for Kids
: a usually wooden pole or pillar carved and painted with totems and set up by American Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America
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