Have you ever found yourself stumbling over the spelling of ‘totem pole,’ that striking symbol of Indigenous culture? You’re not alone-this phrase can trip up even the most seasoned writers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the correct spelling, letter by letter, and provide phonetic pronunciation to help you say it with confidence. To make things even easier, we’ve included audio clips for both spelling and pronunciation, along with a clear definition and syllable breakdown. So, whether you’re crafting an essay or simply curious about these majestic wooden sculptures, keep reading to master the art of spelling ‘totem pole’ once and for all!
How Do You Spell ‘totem pole’ in English?
Wondering how to spell and pronounce the word ‘totem pole’ correctly? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you.
| t | o | t | e | m | p | o | l | e | |
| tiː | oʊ | tiː | iː | ɛm | piː | oʊ | ɛl | iː |
The word ‘totem pole’ is spelled t – o – t – e – m – – p – o – l – e, and the phonetic transcription of each letter is /tiː/ – /oʊ/ – /tiː/ – /iː/ – /ɛm/ – /piː/ – /oʊ/ – /ɛl/ – /iː/. The full phonetic transcription of the word ‘totem pole’ is /ˈtoʊtəm ˌpoʊl/.
Listen to the Spelling of ‘totem pole’
Want to hear how to spell ‘totem pole’? Just press play below!
What Does ‘totem pole’ Mean?
A totem pole is a tall wooden post carved with images of animals and figures that represent the beliefs, stories, or ancestry of Indigenous peoples, especially in North America.
How to Use ‘totem pole’ – Example Sentences
- 1. The indigenous artist spent years carving a stunning totem pole that depicted the legends and ancestral spirits of his people.
- 2. During our trip to the Pacific Northwest, we marveled at the towering totem poles in the local museum, each one telling a unique story of culture and heritage.
- 3. In the corporate world, some employees jokingly referred to their boss as a ‘totem pole,’ symbolizing his role as a central figure in their team despite his lack of direct involvement.
- 4. The children gathered around the vibrant totem pole in the park, fascinated by its intricate designs and eager to learn about its significance in Native American traditions.
- 5. As part of their environmental project, the students built a large totem pole using recycled materials, showcasing different animals that symbolize conservation efforts in their community.
Syllable Breakdown of ‘totem pole’
The word ‘totem pole’ can be divided into syllables as follows: to-tem pole.
Here, ‘totem’ has two syllables (to-tem), and ‘pole’ is a single-syllable word.
Common Misspellings of ‘totem pole’
Here are some of the most frequent mistakes people make when trying to spell ‘totem pole’:
- 1. totem poll
- 2. totempole
- 3. totem polee
- 4. totem pol
Avoid these incorrect versions to ensure your writing is accurate and professional!
Thanks for reading! Now you know exactly how to spell and pronounce ‘totem pole‘.
From now on, you can be sure you’re using it the right way — whether you write it or say it!
Want to learn more? Check out other tricky words on our site!