Definition of "griot" [griot]

• A storyteller in western Africa who perpetuates the oral tradition and history of a village or family. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "For those of you who are not familiar with the term "griot" or jali, or jeli, depending on where the griot is from a quick explanation: the griot is the repository of the history of his or her people, knowing geneologies and major epic songs by heart."
• "I also liked the term griot as it reinforces the need for a point of view."
• "For example, A griot is a major player in West African society."