Longhouse - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A longhouse is a traditional communal dwelling used by various indigenous peoples, particularly in North America and Southeast Asia. It is typically an elongated, single-room structure housing multiple families.
Definition:
A traditional communal dwelling, especially among Native American and indigenous peoples, typically made of wood.
Synonyms:
communal house, dwelling hall, tribal house
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
single-family home, apartment
Common Collocations:
build a longhouse, live in a longhouse, traditional longhouse
Derivatives:
longhouses (plural), longhousing (gerund)
Usage Tips:
Use "longhouse" to refer to shared dwellings in indigenous cultures; avoid confusing it with modern housing structures.
Common Phrases:
"longhouse culture, " "longhouse tradition, " "longhouse community"
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "lang" (long) + "hūs" (house), referring to its elongated structure for communal living.
Examples:
- 1. The Iroquois built a longhouse for their extended family.
- 2. A longhouse often housed multiple families under one roof.
- 3. Visitors admired the craftsmanship of the traditional longhouse.
- 4. The tribe gathered in the longhouse for ceremonies.