1
always used before a noun
a
: born in a particular place
I'm a native New Yorker. [=I was born in New York]
people who are native to France
b
—used to refer to the place where a person was born and raised
He's a hero in his native country.
After 30 years, I am finally returning to my native land.
2
a
always used before a noun
: belonging to a person since birth or childhood
She speaks English, but it's not her native [=first] language/tongue.
b
: existing naturally as an ability, quality, etc., that someone has
She has a native ability to learn quickly.
his native wit
3
a
: produced, living, or existing naturally in a particular region
native [=indigenous] birds and animals
The island is home to several native species of trees.
—often + tobirds that are native to the continent
b
—used to refer to the place or type of place where a plant or animal normally or naturally lives
Increasing pollution is endangering the plant's native habitat.
4
always used before a noun
: of or relating to a group of people who were living in an area (such as North America or Africa) when a new group of usually European people arrived
native societies
native art/traditions
native inhabitants/peoples
plural natives
1
: a person who was born or raised in a particular place
She's a native of France who moved to the United States when she was 15.
I'm a California native.
He wishes he could speak Spanish like a native.
2
: a person from a group of people who were living in an area (such as South America or Africa) when Europeans first arrived
Note: This sense of native was commonly used in the past but is now often considered offensive.
3
: a kind of plant or animal that originally grew or lived in a particular place
The plant is a native of Central and South America.
Cite this Entry
“Native.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/native. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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