Samish

[ sah-mish ]

noun

, plural Sam·ish·es, (especially collectively) Sam·ish

1. a member of an Indigenous people of northwestern Washington State.
2. the Salishan language of the Samish.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Samish or their language.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Samish¹

First recorded in 1855–60; from Samish Sʔémǝš, roughly meaning “the people who are there”

Example Sentences

In separate interviews, Pratt, with Friends of the San Juans, and Samish Indian Nation Chairman Tom Wooten both said the state’s spill response system could use improvement.

From Seattle Times

Tribes that voiced objections included the Swinomish, Samish, Suquamish, Tulalip and Lummi nations.

From Seattle Times

Reached in Anacortes, Wooten of the Samish Indian Nation said the concerns raised then about Trans Mountain — increased vessel traffic, noise pollution, the plight of the endangered orcas, along with unique issues of corralling spilled tar sands crude — are still relevant.

From Seattle Times

The grants will help tribes like the Samish, Swinomish and Lower Elwha Klallam build on existing climate adaptation plans.

From Seattle Times

Before the Coast Guard arrived, the Washington state ferry Samish responded and launched its rescue boat.

From Seattle Times