1. an object, animal, or plant believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and adopted as an emblem
Usage: anthropology
2. a carved or painted representation of a totem, especially a tall wooden pole
3. a person or thing that serves as a symbol or representation of something else
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The eagle was the tribe’s sacred totem.
• Native American totem poles tell stories through carved figures.
• The tall totem stood in the center of the village.
• The company logo became a totem of corporate success.
• Each clan had its own animal totem.
• The museum displayed several colorful totems from the Pacific Northwest.
• For many fans, the stadium serves as a totem of their team’s history.