aboriginal

[ ab-uh-rij-uh-nl ]

adjective

1. Sometimes Aboriginal. relating to or typical of the original or earliest known inhabitants of a region, or their descendants: aboriginal customs.

   the aboriginal people of Tahiti;

   aboriginal customs.

2. Aboriginal. relating to or being a member of any of the peoples who are the earliest known inhabitants of Australia, or one of their descendants:

   an Aboriginal tribe of Tasmania.

3. originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native; indigenous:

   aboriginal mammals of the Arctic.

   Synonyms: autochthonous, endemic

noun

1. Sometimes Aboriginal. Aborigine ( def 2 ).
2. Aboriginal. Often Offensive. Aborigine ( def 1 ).

aboriginal

¹

/ ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl /

adjective

1. existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous

Aboriginal

²

/ ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the indigenous peoples of Australia

noun

1. another word for an Australian Aborigine

Usage Note

See Aborigine.

Usage

The Australian government suggests that the most exact and inclusive way of referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples . Other terms which are acceptable are: Aboriginal people(s) , Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

Derived Forms

• ˌaboˈriginally, adverb

Other Words From

• abo·rigi·nali·ty noun
• abo·rigi·nal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aboriginal¹

First recorded in 1660–70; Aborigine + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The 400-page fantasy novel Billy and the Epic Escape, which was published earlier this year, features an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers living in foster care who is abducted from her home in central Australia.

From BBC

Five years on, the Aboriginal teenager has spent far more of that time inside prison than out.

From BBC

When an Aboriginal Australian senator loudly heckled King Charles moments after he delivered a speech in the nation’s Parliament House, it caught the world’s attention.

From BBC

But Aboriginal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, who had earlier welcomed the King and Queen, said Thorpe's protest was "disrespectful", adding: "She does not speak for me."

From BBC

An Aboriginal protester has been arrested at the Sydney Opera House as crowds await a glimpse of the King and Queen on the final day of their tour in Australia.

From BBC

Related Words

• earliest
• original