North American

1 of 2

noun

1

: a native or inhabitant of North America

2

[translation of Spanish norteamericano] : a native or inhabitant of the U.S. as distinguished especially from the Latin natives or inhabitants of Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America compare anglo-american

North American

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of North America

2

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the people of North America

3

[translation of Spanish norteamericano] : of, relating to, or characteristic of the people of the U.S. as distinguished especially from the Latin peoples of Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America

a strong sensitive face, too quick and mobile to be North American

—Thurston Scott

Word History

Etymology

Noun

North America + English -an, noun suffix

Adjective

North America + English -an, adjective suffix

First Known Use

Noun

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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