Tipi
/ˈtiːpiː/noun
A conical tent traditionally used by some Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.
Did you know?English tipi comes from Lakota thípi, literally meaning “they dwell,” a reminder that some words preserve not just objects, but whole ways of life.
Etymological Timeline
Lakota
Siouan
thípi
“they dwell; a dwelling place”
19th Century
English
tipi
“a conical dwelling of Plains Indigenous peoples”
Modern English
English
tipi
“a conical portable tent, especially associated with Plains Native American cultures”
Modern English
English
teepee
“alternate spelling of tipi”
Explore more surprising origins