Word
hogan
US/ˈhoʊˌɡɑn/
UK/hˈəʊɡən/
Definition
n. a traditional house used by the Navajo people, often made of wood and mud.
n. a traditional Navajo dwelling or ceremonial lodge, typically constructed of timber and packed earth.
Examples
“The family gathered inside the hogan for the ceremony.”
“While modern houses are common on the reservation, many families still maintain a hogan for traditional healing ceremonies.”
“The structural integrity of the hogan relies on a framework of heavy timbers, which are then layered with bark and mud to provide natural insulation against the desert heat.”
Examples
simple
“The family gathered inside the hogan for the ceremony.”
contextual
“While modern houses are common on the reservation, many families still maintain a hogan for traditional healing ceremonies.”
complex
“The structural integrity of the hogan relies on a framework of heavy timbers, which are then layered with bark and mud to provide natural insulation against the desert heat.”
Usage
The term is most commonly used in anthropological or historical contexts regarding the American Southwest.
Teaching tip
This is a culturally specific term; learners should use it only when referring to this specific type of Indigenous architecture.
Synonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/hogan