Amerindian

noun

Am·​er·​in·​di·​an ˌa-mə-ˈrin-dē-ən How to pronounce Amerindian (audio)
dated, sometimes offensive : american indian
Amerind
ˈa-mə-ˌrind How to pronounce Amerindian (audio)
noun or adjective dated, sometimes offensive
Amerindian adjective dated, sometimes offensive

Word History

Etymology

American + Indian

First Known Use

circa 1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Amerindian was circa 1898

Rhymes for Amerindian

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Browse Nearby Words

AmerInd
Amerindian
amerism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amerindian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Amerindian. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Amerindian

noun
Am·​er·​in·​di·​an ˌam-ə-ˈrin-dē-ən How to pronounce Amerindian (audio)
variants also Amerind
ˈa-mə-ˌrind
: american indian
Amerindian adjective
also Amerind

More from Merriam-Webster on Amerindian

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Amerindian

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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