kinnikinnick

noun

kin·​ni·​kin·​nick
ˌki-ni-kə-ˈnik,
ˈki-ni-kə-ˌnik How to pronounce kinnikinnick (audio)
1
: a mixture of dried leaves and bark and sometimes tobacco smoked by the Indians and pioneers especially in the Ohio valley
2
: a plant (such as a sumac or dogwood) used in kinnikinnick
especially : bearberry

Examples of kinnikinnick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Also known by what’s surely a Balderdash word (kinnikinnick), the bearberry plant is one of nature’s most potent skin brighteners. Lexi Novak, Allure, 26 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kinnikinnick.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett kinukkinuk mixture

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinnikinnick was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near kinnikinnick

Cite this Entry

“Kinnikinnick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinnikinnick. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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