How to Pronounce "totem"
word
ˈtoʊtəm
TOH-tuhm
tˈəʊtəm
TOH-tuhm
Definition
A totem is an object, animal, or symbol that represents a family, group, or clan and often has spiritual or cultural meaning.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈtoʊtəm
British English
tˈəʊtəm
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TOH-tuhm
UK
TOH-tuhm
Listen in Context
The bear is a sacred totem for some Indigenous peoples.
Each clan has its own totem to represent their group.
They carved a wooden totem for their ceremony.
For our team, the lion has become a sort of totem—it inspires us all.