1. a large, often ornate, covered seat or pavilion carried on the back of an elephant or camel, typically used for travel or ceremonial purposes in South Asia and the Middle East.
Usage: Also spelled 'howdah'; Common in historical and travel contexts

Examples

• The maharaja rode through the city in an ornate houdah atop a decorated elephant.
• Tourists in India can sometimes experience a ride in a houdah during visits to historical sites.
• The houdah was equipped with cushions and curtains to protect passengers from the sun.
• In colonial times, British officials traveled in houdahs across the Indian subcontinent.
• The elephant's houdah swayed gently as the animal walked through the marketplace.