Inuit

noun

In·​u·​it ˈi-n(y)ü-wət 

variants or less commonly Innuit

1

plural Inuit or Inuits also Innuit or Innuits

a

: a group of Indigenous peoples of northern Alaska, arctic Canada, and Greenland

—used especially for those of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland

Note: In Canada, the name Inuit refers to one of three major, legally recognized groups of aboriginal peoples, the other two being the First Nations and the Métis.

see also inuk

b

: a member of such people

2

: any of the languages of the Inuit

Usage of Eskimo and Inuit

Eskimo is a word that presents challenges for anyone who is concerned about avoiding the use of offensive language. Its offensiveness stems partly from a now-discredited belief that it was originally a pejorative term meaning "eater of raw flesh," but perhaps more significantly from its being a word imposed on aboriginal peoples by outsiders. It has long been considered a word to be avoided in Canada, where native people refer to themselves as Inuit, a word that means "people" in their language. But not all the native people who are referred to as Eskimos are Inuit. Eskimo has no exact synonym; it has a general meaning that encompasses a number of indigenous peoples, and it continues for now in widespread use in many parts of the English-speaking world.

Examples of Inuit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Explore Inuit culture and history: Visit the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk to learn about the Inuit cultural heritage, including exhibits on ancient civilizations and Norse history. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

As the streamer’s first-ever Canadian original series, North of North teaches viewers about the Inuit culture, which many might be unfamiliar with. —Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

For instance, many Inuit homes still have soapstone qulliq lamps, which typically use seal oil for fuel, alongside their light bulbs and laptops. —Kate Nelson, AFAR Media, 21 Apr. 2025

The cast’s colorful and bold collection of parkas, often lined with a variety of different furs, reflect the traditional outerwear that the Inuit community has long been wearing up in the north to stay warm. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Inuit inuit, plural of inuk person

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

Inuit

noun

In·​u·​it ˈi-n(y)ü-wət 

variants also Innuit

1

plural Inuit or Inuits also Innuit or Innuits

a

: any of a number of groups of Indigenous peoples of northern Alaska, arctic Canada, and Greenland

—used especially of those of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland

b

: a member of such people

2

: any of the languages of the Inuit