Do you speak a little Amerindian when you say 'powwow'?

'Powwow' is a word borrowed from Amerindian 'powwow'. The word entered the English language some time around 1624.

powwow [noun] [1624]

• an American Indian medicine man
• an American Indian ceremony (as for victory in war)
• an American Indian social gathering or fair usually including competitive dancing
• a social get-together

See 'powwow' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Amerindian.

Etymology: Narragansett 'powwaw' or Massachusett 'pauwau'

See more loan words from 1600s.