Hoosier

noun

Hoo·​sier ˈhü-zhər How to pronounce Hoosier (audio)
: a native or resident of Indiana
—used as a nickname
Hoosier adjective

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of English dialect hoozer anything large of its kind

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hoosier was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

hoosh
Hoosier
Hoosierism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hoosier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hoosier. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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