totem pole

noun

1. a pole or post carved and painted with totemic figures, erected by Indians of the northwest coast of North America, especially in front of their houses.
2. a hierarchical system:

   the bureaucratic totem pole.

totem pole

noun

1. a pole carved or painted with totemic figures set up by certain North American Indians, esp those of the NW Pacific coast, within a village as a tribal symbol or, sometimes, in memory of a dead person

totem pole

1. Among some Native Americans , a pole on which totems are carved. The totem pole usually stands in front of a house or shelter.

Notes

A totem pole is thought of figuratively as a symbol (see also symbol ) of a hierarchy: “Where does she stand on the totem pole?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of totem pole¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“With the lack of sleep and everything else that comes along with new parenthood, and all of the uncertainties, finances should be the last thing on the totem pole.”

From Seattle Times

“I was a skinny freshman — a low man on the totem pole — and this made me feel like a rebel.’

From New York Times

On your way toward the Pier 86 Grain Terminal, keep an eye out for the rose garden and totem pole as you walk through Centennial Park.

From Seattle Times

“And now it is clear that Jews are at the bottom of the totem pole and without protection under this critical theory framework.”

From Seattle Times

It’s worth stopping to admire the 35 gorgeous, colorful, hand-carved totem poles outside and within.

From Seattle Times