Nootka

noun

Noot·​ka ˈnu̇t-kə How to pronounce Nootka (audio)
1
plural Nootka or Nootkas : a member of a First Nation people inhabiting the west coast of Vancouver Island : nuu-chah-nulth sense 1

Note: While the name Nootka (which was imposed by outsiders) is used by some members, others prefer Nuu-chah-nulth.

2
: the Wakashan language of the Nootka people : nuu-chah-nulth sense 2

Word History

Etymology

Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island

First Known Use

circa 1789, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of Nootka was circa 1789

Dictionary Entries Near Nootka

Cite this Entry

“Nootka.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Nootka. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on Nootka

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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