South American

1 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of South America or its people

South American

2 of 2

noun

: a native or inhabitant of South America

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

South America + English -an, adjective suffix

Noun

South America + English -an, noun suffix

First Known Use

Adjective

1683, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1746, 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 16 Dec. 2025.

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