powwow
1 of 2noun
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
powwow
2 of 2verb
powwowed; powwowing; powwows
intransitive verb
: to hold a powwow
Note: Use of this term in contexts not relating to Indigenous Americans or their cultures is considered offensive.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Narragansett powwaw or Massachusett pauwau
First Known Use
Noun
1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1646, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
powwow
noun
pow·wow ˈpau̇-ˌwau̇
1
: a ceremony or usually large social gathering held by tribes of indigenous people of North America
2
: a meeting for discussion