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Definitions

totem

[toh-tuhm] / ˈtoʊ təm /
NOUN
pole
Synonyms


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.

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

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

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

"Stephen is much higher on the totem pole than that," Trump said.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

It’s an indelibly amusing and heartbreaking totem, suggesting play and suffering, and eventually manifesting wounds both real and internalized.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Anybody who knew even the tiniest bit about totem poles knew that the most important was at the bottom.

From "Miracle's Boys" by Jacqueline Woodson




Vocabulary lists containing totem