South American

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of South America (a continent of the western hemisphere lying between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans southeast of North America) or its people
South American noun
plural South Americans

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of South American was in 1683

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Cite this Entry

“South American.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/South%20American. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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