cliff dweller

noun

1
often capitalized C&D
a
: a member of a prehistoric American Indian people of the southwestern U.S. who built their homes on rock ledges or in the natural recesses of canyon walls and cliffs
b
: a member of any cliff-dwelling people
2
: a resident of a large usually metropolitan apartment building
cliff dwelling noun

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cliff dweller was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near cliff dweller

Cite this Entry

“Cliff dweller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cliff%20dweller. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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