Chiricahua

[ chir-i-kah-wuh ]

noun

, plural Chir·i·ca·huas, (especially collectively) Chir·i·ca·hua

1. a member of an Apache group that comprises several Apache bands, formerly located in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, now living primarily in Oklahoma and New Mexico.
2. the Athabascan language of the Chiricahua, differing only dialectically from Navaho.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Chiricahua¹

First recorded in 1885–90; via Spanish from Opata (extinct Uto-Aztecan language of Sonora) Chihuicahui or Chiguicagui “Mountain of the Wild Turkey” (now the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona)

Example Sentences

He said that "there is one confirmed new individual in the Huachuca Mountains near Sierra Vista," as well as a possible second cat that roamed the Chiricahua Mountains south of Willcox since November 2016 but has not been seen since October 2022.

From Salon

Another, named Sombra, was also spotted in Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains later that year.

From Los Angeles Times

The family is Chiricahua Apache, and Oak Flat, or Chi’chil Bildagoteel, is a consecrated place used for prayer and ritual by them and many other Native American peoples in the region.

From Seattle Times

The family is Chiricahua Apache and Oak Flat, or Chi’chil Bildagoteel, is a consecrated place used for prayer and ritual by them and many other Native Americans in the region.

From Seattle Times

Another, named Sombra, however, was spotted in Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains later that year.

From Los Angeles Times