Episode Overview

Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode Date: September 10, 2025
Word: griot
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)

In this episode, Merriam-Webster’s Peter Sokolowski introduces “griot” as the word of the day—a term rooted in West African tradition. The episode highlights the historical, linguistic, and cultural significance of griots, emphasizing their role as musician-entertainers, oral historians, and cultural guardians.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• Griot (noun) is spelled G-R-I-O-T.
• Primary meaning:
  • “Any of a class of musician entertainers of Western Africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies.”
• Broader meaning:
  • A storyteller in general.

2. Usage Example

"Music is both the subject and mechanism of sinners, which opens with a voiceover history of how some musicians dating back to the West African griots have been seen as conduits between this world and the one beyond."
— [00:56], citation from Pitchfork

• This usage underscores the griot’s spiritual and cultural role, acting as a conduit and storyteller across generations.

3. Cultural Context and Origins

• Griot is a borrowing from French.
• Griots are also known by different names in various West African languages:
  • Jelly/jali (Mande)
  • Jewel (Wolof)
• Their primary function is to preserve genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of tribes.

4. Musical Heritage

• Griots are renowned musicians; their storytelling is often woven with music.
• Traditional instruments:
  • The kora: a long-necked, 21-string lute
  • The kalam: believed by some to be the ancestor of the banjo

“Among the instruments traditionally played by griots are two lutes, the long-necked 21 string chora and the kalam, thought by some to be the ancestor of the banjo.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:36]

5. Contemporary Relevance

• Griots remain respected cultural guardians in many West African countries, with their practices dating back centuries.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Griot is a noun. It refers to any of a class of musician entertainers of Western Africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies. The term is also used broadly to refer to a storyteller."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

• "[Griots] are called by other names as well, Jelly or jali in Mande or Jewel in Wolof, for example."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:21]

• "Griots preserve the genealogies, historical narratives and oral traditions of their tribes."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:26]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:42 — Introduction of the word "griot" and its definitions
• 00:56 — Usage example citing Pitchfork
• 01:07 — Explanation of griots as cultural guardians, dating back centuries
• 01:14 — Etymology and alternate names across West African cultures
• 01:26 — Griots’ role in preserving history and culture
• 01:36 — Discussion of traditional instruments associated with griots
• 02:05 — Episode closes

Tone & Style

The episode is delivered in an informative, concise, and respectful tone, blending educational content with cultural appreciation, true to Merriam-Webster’s signature style. The narration remains clear, direct, and approachable, making complex traditions accessible in everyday language.