wampum
Small cylindrical beads made from polished shells which have been strung together,…Small cylindrical beads made from polished shells (especially white ones) which have been strung together, formerly used by Native American peoples of eastern North America for various purposes including as jewellery and money, and for record-keeping; (countable, archaic) one such bead.
» Wampum are shell beads that were used as a currency by Native Americans.
Meaning
2 senses(uncountable)Small cylindrical beads made from polished shells (especially white ones) which have been strung together, formerly used by Native American peoples of eastern North America for various purposes including as jewellery and money, and for record-keeping; (countable, archaic) one such bead.
Wampum
ва́мпумvámpum
ва́мпумvámpum
small cylindrical beads made from polished shells and fashioned into strings or belts; used by certain Native American peoples as jewelry or currency
(slang, uncountable)Money.
informal terms for money
Examples
1 sentencesWampum are shell beads that were used as a currency by Native Americans.
Translations
7 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
By meaning 1
Origin
Clipping of wampumpeag (“wampum”), probably borrowed from Massachusett wampompeage (“strinClipping of wampumpeag (“wampum”), probably borrowed from Massachusett wampompeage (“string of white beads used as money”).
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Forms
plural: wampums / wampumSynonyms
74 synonymsWord family
1 related wordsLessons for this word
2 lessons- A1Plural nouns — Because its plural is irregular
- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable