Yukaghir

[ yoo-kuh-geer ]

noun

, plural Yu·ka·ghirs, (especially collectively) Yu·ka·ghir

1. a member of an Indigenous people of the Kolyma river basin of northeastern Siberia.
2. the Paleosiberian language of the Yukaghir.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Yukaghir¹

First recorded in 1840–45; from Russian yukagír, probably of Evenki origin

Example Sentences

Mr. Shadrin, the Yukaghir community leader, described the members of his Indigenous group — scattered in small villages across the vast region — as overwhelmingly supportive of the Kremlin.

From New York Times

The Yukaghir were not an exotic tribe living in utter isolation.

From New York Times

That encounter was fresh in his mind when, back in Denmark, Dr. Willerslev learned that some scientists were extracting DNA from fossil mummies, a technique that might help explain the history of people like the Yukaghir.

From New York Times

An old man, covered in scars from hunting bears in his youth, led them to a Yukaghir village.

From New York Times

They would make contact with a mysterious group of people called the Yukaghir, who supposedly lived on nothing but elk and moose.

From New York Times