teepee

American  

[tee-pee] / ˈti pi /

Or tepee,

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.

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teepee British  

/ ˈtiːpiː /

noun

1. a variant spelling of tepee

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Etymology

Origin of teepee

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

Compare meaning

How does teepee compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• wigwam vs. teepee

Example Sentences

Just 30 minutes later, his key worker Cookson put him down again for a second sleep in the afternoon, placing him inside a small teepee that was decorated in tinsel for Christmas.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

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 • Oct. 12, 2023

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 • Nov. 28, 2022

Pursuing the animals on horseback, they ate fresh or dried buffalo meat and used the hides for clothing and for their distinctive portable dwelling, the teepee.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

James crouched in front of the teepee entrance and went inside on his hands and knees.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman