word
potlatch
POT-lach
ˈpɒtlætʃListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
potlatch
Dictionary meaning
A ceremonial feast of Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast at which possessions are given away or destroyed to display wealth or enhance prestige.
History and origin
Chinook Jargon — from Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) 'p'achitl', meaning 'to give'.
Examples
- The potlatch ceremony was banned by Canadian law from 1885 to 1951.
Common mispronunciations
POT-lashpot-LACH
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “potlatch” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction