word

wampum

WOM-pum

ˈwɒmpəm

Listen

Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.

Syllable breakdown

wampum

Dictionary meaning

Small cylindrical beads made by North American Indians from shells, strung together and used as currency, ceremonial gifts, and to record treaties and other events.

History and origin

Algonquian (Narragansett) — 'wampumpeag' meaning 'white string of shell beads'.

Examples

Wampum belts recorded the terms of the Great Binding Law of the Haudenosaunee.

Common mispronunciations

WAHM-pumWAM-poom

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