Tehuelche

[ tuh-wel-chee, -chey ]

noun

, plural Te·huel·ches, (especially collectively) Te·huel·che

1. a member of an Indigenous people of Patagonia.
2. the language of the Tehuelche.

adjective

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

Other Words From

• Te·huel·che·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tehuelche¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from Spanish, from Araucanian cheu(ù)lche, of uncertain meaning

Example Sentences

The locals, probably Indigenous Tehuelche people, were no longer notable just for their size.

From Science Magazine

The Tehuelche were innovators, too: Outsiders marveled at their bolas, weighted rope snares they swung and launched from horseback to hunt llamalike guanaco and flightless rhea birds.

From Science Magazine

By 1741, British accounts noted that the Tehuelche were masterful riders.

From Science Magazine

The Indigenous Tehuelche people called it Chaltén, or smoking mountain, because it is usually shrouded by clouds.

From Washington Post

“Yapai peñi,” someone said, a Tehuelche toast.

From New York Times