wigwam

Where does the word "wigwam" come from? It comes from Abenaki wikewam, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Wigwam’s story begins in Abenaki: wikewam meant “a domed dwelling.” Meaning "their house", a domed dwelling of bent poles and bark. It reached English by 1600s as wigwam. Abenaki 'wikewam', dwelling; the word spread to other Native dwellings. Today, wigwam means a domed hut traditionally used by some Native American peoples.

1. Stage 1 · Abenaki · pre-1600s wikewam "a domed dwelling", meaning "their house", a domed dwelling of bent poles and bark.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s wigwam "a domed hut of bent poles and bark or mats", Abenaki 'wikewam', dwelling; the word spread to other Native dwellings.