Apache

noun

ə-ˈpa-chē 

in sense 3

ə-ˈpash 

plural Apache or Apaches ə-ˈpa-chēz 

-ˈpash, 

-ˈpa-shəz

1

: a member of a group of Indigenous peoples of the southwestern U.S.

2

: any of the Athabascan languages of the Apache people

3

apache [French, from Apache "Apache"]

a

: a member of a gang of criminals especially in Paris

b

: ruffian

Apachean

ə-ˈpa-chē-ən 

adjective or noun

Examples of Apache in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His latest partnership, with silversmith Neil Zarama of the Chiricahua Apache Nation, includes this belt buckle inspired by the Ketoh, a wrist guard traditionally worn by archers. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Earlier this month, an Iranian drone costing less than $30,000 lodged itself between the two pilots of a $40 million Apache helicopter, leading to the chopper’s crash. — Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

And, in fact, a drone collided with an Apache helicopter last week. — CBS News, 14 June 2026

Culdesac sits adjacent to the Smith–Martin/Apache Boulevard metro station on the A Line of the Valley Metro Rail system that runs throughout the Phoenix metro. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, perhaps from Zuni ʔa·paču Navajo, Apachean

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Apache

• catchy
• patchy
• scratchy
• malachi

Kids Definition

Apache

noun

ə-ˈpach-ē 

plural Apache or Apaches

: a member of a group of Indigenous peoples of the southwestern U.S.

also : any of the languages of the Apache people