West Indian

1 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the West Indies or its people

West Indian

2 of 2

noun

: a native or inhabitant of the West Indies

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

West India (former name of the West Indies, group of islands enclosing the Caribbean sea) + English -an, adjective suffix

Noun

West India + English -an, noun suffix

First Known Use

Adjective

1589, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of West Indian was in 1555

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Cite this Entry

“West Indian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/West%20Indian. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

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