Native American

¹

[ ney-tiv uh-mer-i-kuhn ]

noun

1. Indian ( def 1 ).
2. a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the Americas, including Indians and non-Indians.

native American

²

noun

1. a person born in the United States.

Native American

noun

1. A member of the indigenous peoples of North America

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Native Americans or any of their languages

Sensitive Note

See Indian, Eskimo.

Other Words From

• native-A·meri·can adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Native American¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Another interpretation is that Native American tribes would set beaver traps before the swamps froze, ensuring a supply of warm winter furs.

From BBC

Harris’ campaign has targeted several of Arizona’s niche demographic groups — such as Mormons and Native Americans — whose small margins could swing the state.

From Los Angeles Times

Of course, this is a very old narrative that goes back to the early days of colonial America, when white male European settlers were the protectors of white womanhood against the dangerous Native American “savages.”

From Salon

For thousands of years, Native Americans relied on bison for physical and cultural survival.

From Salon

John Muir, a towering figure among environmentalists, made harmful and disparaging remarks about Native Americans and Black people.

From Los Angeles Times