Arawak

[ ar-uh-wahk, -wak ]

noun

, plural Ar·a·waks, (especially collectively) Ar·a·wak

1. a member of an Indian people once widespread in the Antilles but now living primarily in coastal northeastern South America.
2. any of the related Arawakan languages spoken by the Arawak.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Arawak¹

First recorded in 1835–40; a self-designation of the Arawak people

Example Sentences

Some contemporary Indigenous groups, including the Arawaks and Piaroa, descend from these ancient societies.

From Science Magazine

Columbus used his foreknowledge of a lunar eclipse to force the Arawak residents of present-day Jamaica to heel in fear.

From Los Angeles Times

I visited in October during Creole Heritage Month, when St. Lucia’s melting pot of Arawak, Carib, African, French and Indian-influenced culture is on full display.

From New York Times

The term hurricane derives from hurakan, an Arawak word for a storm god.

From New York Times

When the mood did indeed take on a "bloody" appearance, the Arawaks promised to resume supplying food to Columbus and his men if he appeased his god.

From Salon