American Indian
English
Etymology
American + Indian. The noun is attested since 1702, the adjective since shortly thereafter.
Noun
American Indian (plural American Indians)
- A member of some indigenous peoples of the Americas, especially the United States, but excluding the Inuit, Yupik, and Aleuts.
- (Canada) An indigenous person from the United States.
Usage notes
The term American Indian is generally accepted and sometimes replaced by Native American. However, it may cause offense if intended to include Canadian First Nations people.
Synonyms
- See also Thesaurus:Native American
Related terms
Translations
Adjective
American Indian (comparative more American Indian, superlative most American Indian)
- Relating to the indigenous peoples of the Americas or their languages.