# hogan

/ˈhoʊˌɡɑn/ (US) · /hˈəʊɡən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hogan
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. traditional Navajo dwelling

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a traditional house used by the Navajo people, often made of wood and mud.

For teachers: a traditional Navajo dwelling or ceremonial lodge, typically constructed of timber and packed earth.

- The family gathered inside the hogan to stay warm during the cold desert night.
- Traditional hogans are designed with the entrance facing east to welcome the rising sun, reflecting deep spiritual and cultural significance.

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.

## 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.