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Wampum - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Wampum refers to traditional shell beads used by Native American tribes, primarily in the northeastern U.S., as currency, ceremonial objects, or symbols of agreements. They were often woven into belts.

wampum

/ˈwɑmpəm/ /ˈwɒmpəm/

Definition:

Traditional shell beads used by Native Americans as currency or ornamentation.

Synonyms:

beads, currency, shells, money, ornaments

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

paper money, digital currency

Common Collocations:

wampum belt, wampum beads, wampum trade

Derivatives:

wampumpeag (variant), wampum-like

Usage Tips:

Use "wampum" to refer specifically to Native American shell beads, not modern currency.

Common Phrases:

wampum belt, pass the wampum, wampum treaty

Etymology:

Derived from Algonquian "wampumpeag," meaning white strings of shell beads.

Examples:

  • 1. The chiefs exchanged a wampum belt to seal the agreement.
  • 2. She crafted jewelry using traditional wampum beads.
  • 3. Wampum was once a valuable form of currency among tribes.
  • 4. The museum displayed an ancient wampum necklace.

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