American Indian

noun

plural American Indians

: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere except often certain peoples (such as the Yupik and Inuit) who live in arctic regions

especially : an American Indian of North America and especially the U.S. compare native american

American Indian adjective

Examples of American Indian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Los Angeles Unified, the state’s largest school system, 11 courses can satisfy the district’s requirement, including a broad survey course and more specialized classes, such as African American Literature, American Indian Studies and Exploring Visual Arts through Ethnic Studies. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025

The Balboa Park Powwow is hosted by the San Diego American Indian Health Center, a nonprofit organization that provides medical, dental and behavioral health care services to all San Diegans at its Bankers Hill facility, and uses a mobile medical unit that travels around town. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025

In addition to being a celebrated artist, Houser was a legendary arts teacher, most notably one of the original professors at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

The rate was even higher for people who received services through the American Indian Health Program. AHCCCS has repaid $49.1 million to the federal government since January 2023, according to spokesperson Havona Horsefield, who has since left the agency. —Jasmine Demers, ProPublica, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for American Indian

• amerindian

Kids Definition

American Indian

noun

: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere except often certain peoples (as the Yupik and Inuit) who live in arctic regions

especially : an American Indian of North America and especially the U.S.

American Indian adjective