powwow

/ˌpaʊˈwaʊ/

Other forms: powwows; powwowing; powwowed

A powwow is a Native American meeting or council.

Originally, powwow was a Native American term that referred to a type of meeting or council. The term has since become a more general term for meetings and conferences, especially brief ones, like a huddle of players during a football game. However, this informal usage in contexts that do not relate to Native Americans or Native American cultures is now often considered offensive.

Definitions of powwow

1. noun

   a council of or with Native Americans
   type of:

   council

   a meeting of people for consultation
2. noun

   (informal; now considered offensive) a quick private conference
   synonyms: huddle

   type of:

   conference, group discussion

   a discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic
3. verb

   (informal; now considered offensive) hold a powwow, talk, conference or meeting
   type of:

   discuss, hash out, talk over

   speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion