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

'Wampum' is a word borrowed from Amerindian 'wampum'. The word entered the English language some time around 1636.

wampum [noun] [1636]

• beads of polished shells strung in strands, belts, or sashes and used by North American Indians as money, ceremonial pl...
• money

See 'wampum' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Amerindian.

Etymology: Short for 'wampumpeag'

See more loan words from 1600s.