pow·wow
ˈpau̇-ˌwau̇
plural powwows
1
: an American Indian medicine man
2
a
: an American Indian ceremony (as for victory in war)
b
: an American Indian social gathering or fair usually including competitive dancing
3
informal + offensive; see usage paragraph below
a
: a social get-together
b
: a meeting for discussion
Usage of Powwow
Use of the word powwow to refer generally to a social get-together or to a meeting for discussion is considered to be an offensive appropriation of a term of great cultural importance to Indigenous Americans.
powwowed; powwowing; powwows
: to hold a powwow
Note: Use of this term in contexts not relating to Indigenous Americans or their cultures is considered offensive.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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