teepee

or te·pee, ti·pi

[ tee-pee ]

noun

1. a tent of the American Indians, made usually from animal skins laid on a conical frame of long poles and having an opening at the top for ventilation and a flap door.

teepee

/ ˈtiːpiː /

noun

1. a variant spelling of tepee

Word History and Origins

Origin of teepee¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1735–45; from Dakota tʰípi, equivalent to tʰí- “to dwell” + -pi plural indefinite abstract noun suffix

Example Sentences

Flanking a path, perhaps, a row of them forms “a phalanx of vine-covered teepees.”

From Seattle Times

The lavvu, a traditional Sámi structure that resembles a teepee or a tent, is insulated with reindeer skins, and in the center, on a floor of twigs, a hearth.

From Salon

In one, adorable young children performing “The Nine Days of Thanksgiving” are made to list the many things, like “six Native teepees,” that Indians “gave” the Pilgrims.

From New York Times

At the Dakota Access protest, Braun’s teepee was the first to go up at what became Oceti Sakowin camp at Standing Rock.

From Seattle Times

Hides for clothing and teepees, bones for tools and weapons, horns for ladles, hair for rope — a steady supply of bison was fundamental.

From Seattle Times