Onondaga

[ on-uhn-daw-guh, -dah-, -dey- ]

noun

, plural On·on·da·gas, (especially collectively) On·on·da·ga

1. a member of a tribe of Iroquoian Indians formerly inhabiting the region of Onondaga Lake.
2. the dialect of the Seneca language spoken by these Indians.
3. Lake, a salt lake in central New York. 5 miles (8 km) long; 1 mile (1.6 km) wide.

Onondaga

/ ˌɒnənˈdɑːɡə /

noun

1. Lake Onondaga
   a salt lake in central New York State. Area: about 13 sq km (5 sq miles)
2. -gas-ga a member of a North American Indian Iroquois people formerly living between Lake Champlain and the St Lawrence River
3. the language of this people, belonging to the Iroquoian family

Other Words From

• Onon·dagan adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Onondaga¹

From the Onondaga word onǫ́·tàʔke on the hill, the name of the main Onondaga town, at successive locations

Word History and Origins

Origin of Onondaga¹

from Iroquois onõtáge', literally: on the top of the hill (the name of their principal village)

Example Sentences

The Syracuse Police Department and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office were tracking a vehicle that had eluded police earlier, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said during a press conference.

From Seattle Times

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told the newspaper that the investigation started Sunday when family members who were worried about Nefertiti’s whereabouts contacted police.

From Seattle Times

As Tadodaho, the spiritual leader of the Onondaga Nation, he was responsible for protecting its legacy and guiding it into the future.

From Seattle Times

In upstate New York, bilingual highway signs in the languages of the Seneca, Onondaga and Tuscarora tribes border highways and their reservations.

From Seattle Times

In Erie, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga and Suffolk counties, voters will elect county executives.

From Seattle Times