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Native American
noun
: a member of any of the indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere
especially
: a Native American of North America and especially the U.S. compare american indian
Native American
adjective
Examples of Native American in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If confirmed, Burgum would replace Deb Haaland, a former member of Congress who is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2024
On my trip along the Colorado Plateau, many of the in-destination storytellers were Native American, specifically Hopi and Navajo (Diné).
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Star School, which has been serving the community for over 20 years, has a student body that is 99% Native American.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 19 Nov. 2024
What is Native American Heritage Month? Native American Heritage Month recognizes the traditions, languages and contributions of indigenous peoples in the United States, according to the National Park Service, including Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Island communities.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
circa 1628, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of Native American was
circa 1628
Articles Related to Native American
Dictionary Entries Near Native American
Cite this Entry
“Native American.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Native%20American. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
Native American
noun
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere
especially
: a Native American of North America and especially the U.S. compare american indian
Native American
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on Native American
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Native American
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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