totem

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His sculptures, composed of stacked forms and glazed in natural colors, bring to mind chimneys, duct work and totem poles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

"It is a totem of celebration for Chinese people and people around the world," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Indeed, it is difficult to think of any place outside the tribal areas of Afghanistan or Waziristan where the firearm is such a cultural totem.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

The absentee totem, the one with the power to make all the major calls he pleases without having the responsibility of justifying them in any public forum.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

When asked why he was not helping to find water, he replied that his family totem was water and therefore he had no need to drink.

From "The Girl Who Married a Lion: and Other Tales from Africa" by Alexander Mccall Smith