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tipi

Other forms: tipis

The traditional tent-like dwelling of the Plains Indians is called a tipi. Modern tipis are often made of canvas, with flaps at the top allowing smoke to escape.

Tipis (also spelled teepee) were historically used by indigenous Americans who lived a nomadic lifestyle, since these dwellings could be easily taken down, carried to a new place, and reassembled. Traditionally, tipis were made with long wooden poles covered by animal skins. A tipi would keep families dry in the rain, cool in hot weather, and warm in the winter with the help of a fire. Tipi comes from the Lakota thípi, "dwelling."

Definitions of tipi
  1. noun
    a Native American tent; usually of conical shape
    synonyms: teepee, tepee
    see moresee less
    type of:
    indian lodge, lodge
    any of various Native American dwellings
    collapsible shelter, tent
    a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
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