1. a large, often ornate seat or carriage carried on the back of an elephant, used especially in India for travel or ceremonial purposes.
Usage: Also spelled 'houdah' or 'hauda' in some sources.; Primarily historical or cultural reference; still used in some ceremonial contexts in South Asia.

Examples

• The maharaja rode in an ornate howdah atop his ceremonial elephant.
• During the festival, tourists could ride in a howdah as part of the cultural experience.
• The howdah was decorated with rich fabrics and jewels for the royal procession.
• In colonial India, British officials sometimes traveled by howdah when visiting remote regions.
• The elephant's howdah swayed gently as the animal walked through the temple grounds.