Kootenay

or Koo·te·nai, Ku·te·nay, Ku·te·nai

[ koot-n-ey, ˈkut-n-ee ]

noun

, plural Koo·te·nays (especially collectively) Koo·te·nay

1. a member of an Indigenous people of Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia.
2. the language of the Kootenay.
3. a river flowing from southwestern Canada through northwestern Montana and northern Idaho, swinging back into Canada to the Columbia River. 400 miles (645 km) long.

adjective

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

Kootenay

/ ˈkuːtəniː; ˈkuːtneɪ /

noun

1. a river in W North America, rising in SE British Columbia and flowing south into NW Montana, then north into Idaho before re-entering British Columbia, broadening into Kootenay Lake , then flowing to the Columbia River. Length: 655 km (407 miles)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kootenay¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from Kootenay (a language isolate) Kútonâqa, a self-designation of some Canadian Kootenay; isolate ( def )

Example Sentences

Ainsworth Hot Springs is about a nine-hour drive from Seattle, set into the side of a mountain facing Kootenay Lake.

From Seattle Times

If booked, vacation rentals like Arrow Lake Escapes and Kootenay Lake House are nearby options.

From Seattle Times

Now owned by the Lower Kootenay Band, the hot springs have been returned to the Ktunaxa people and they are sharing it with the community.

From Seattle Times

Continuing on your journey, you’ll follow the shores of Kootenay Lake to the little town of Kaslo, known as the “Switzerland of Canada.”

From Seattle Times

With its location inside Kootenay National Park, a visit to the Radium Hot Springs pools opens up beautiful hikes and overlooks nearby.

From Seattle Times