plural papooses
1
dated, offensive; see usage paragraph below
: an Indigenous baby or young child of North America
2
chiefly British, sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below
: a baby carrier (see baby carrier sense 1) that usually consists of a cloth pouch, wrap, or sling for wearing around the torso
She carried her three-month-old tot Apollo in a leopard print papoose, while wearing an all-black ensemble.—
Rebecca Davison
Rebecca DavisonThe star gave birth to a daughter … and clearly dotes on the newborn, carrying her around New York in a furry papoose.—Tamara Abraham
Tamara Abraham
Usage of Papoose
The use of papoose in the meaning shown above at sense 1 is regarded as offensive. While use of the term to refer to a style of baby carrier is common, especially in British English, this use is also sometimes regarded as offensive due to its association with sense 1.
Dictionary Entries Near papoose
Cite this Entry
“Papoose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papoose. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
papoose
noun
pa·poose
pa-ˈpüs 
pə-
often offensive
: an Indigenous baby or young child of North America
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share