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powwowing

powwowing

9.9
A Native American social event with dancing, singing and ceremonies
  • noun
  • /ˈpaʊˌwaʊɪŋ/
  • US
translation icon : powwow
  • The community gathered to celebrate their heritage at the annual powwowing, which featured traditional songs and dances.

Examples

  • As elsewhere in the country, pan-Indian powwowing is now established as a social medium for interconnecting the diverse Indian communities of the Southeast.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Anyway, that's Black Brown's Black Powwow on Instagram live on YouTube.

  • During the summer, many tribes organize powwowings to honor their culture and share their customs with others.

  • She felt a strong connection to her ancestors while participating in the powwowing with friends and family.

Synonyms

powwow
vspowwowing
  • US
5 8.0

A Native American gathering with music, dance, and ceremony

is the act of attending or participating in that Native American gathering
wingding
vspowwowing
  • Informal
2 7.8

A lively party with music, dancing, and fun

is specific to Native American cultural ceremonies, not a general party

Surface Forms

powwowing singular
powwowings plural

Morphology

powwowing = powwow (transparent) = powwow + ing

This is a straightforward activity nominalization built from 'powwow' plus -ing.

Etymology

Powwowing comes from a Native American word pauwau meaning 'spiritual leader' or 'medicine person'. That word was used for important community ceremonies, so powwowing now often means a Native American gathering with dancing, singing and other cultural ceremonies.