Aztec

noun

Az·​tec ˈaz-ˌtek How to pronounce Aztec (audio)
1
a
: a member of a Nahuatl-speaking people that founded the Mexican empire conquered by Cortes in 1519
b
: a member of any people under Aztec influence
2
Aztecan
ˈaz-ˌte-kən How to pronounce Aztec (audio)
ˌaz-ˈte-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Spanish azteca, from Nahuatl aztēcah, plural of aztēcatl

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Aztec was in 1810

Dictionary Entries Near Aztec

Cite this Entry

“Aztec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aztec. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

Aztec

noun
Az·​tec ˈaz-ˌtek How to pronounce Aztec (audio)
: a member of an American Indian people that founded the Mexican empire conquered by Cortes in 1519

More from Merriam-Webster on Aztec

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY