Omaha

Oma·ha

noun \ˈō-mə-ˌhȯ, -ˌhä\

plural Omaha or Omahas

Definition of OMAHA

1

: a member of an American Indian people of northeastern Nebraska

2

: the Siouan language of the Omaha

Origin of OMAHA

Omaha umą́hą, a self-designation

First Known Use: 1814

Oma·ha

geographical name \ˈō-mə-ˌhȯ, -ˌhä\

Definition of OMAHA

city E Nebraska on Missouri River pop 390,007

Omaha

geographical name    (Concise Encyclopedia)

City (pop., 2006 est.: 419,545), eastern Nebraska, U.S., on the Missouri River, north of its junction with the Platte River. The city's name, meaning “upstream people,” referred to the Omaha Indians. Omaha was founded in 1854 and incorporated as a city in 1857. In 1863 it became the starting point for the Union Pacific Railroad Co.'s first transcontinental railroad, and it soon grew into a centre of trade and industry. Now it is the largest city in the state, as well as a major livestock and grain market. Food processing remains important despite a drastic decline in the local meat packing industry in the late 20th century. Omaha is a railroad and insurance centre. It is home to the University of Nebraska and the Joslyn Art Museum.