Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a Native American people originally from the Great Plains region, now primarily in Oklahoma: The Kiowa are a historically nomadic, Plains Indian tribe known for their horsemanship, artistry, and warrior culture.
   • The Tanoan language spoken by the Kiowa people: This is the unique language of the Kiowa nation, part of the Kiowa-Tanoan language family.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the people):
  • The Kiowa were skilled hunters and warriors on the southern plains.
  • She is a Kiowa artist known for her beadwork.
• Noun (referring to the language):
  • Efforts are underway to revitalize the Kiowa language among younger generations.
  • Fewer than 20 fluent speakers of Kiowa remain.

Advanced Usage

• "Kiowa" as an attributive noun: Used to describe things pertaining to the Kiowa people, their culture, or language.
  • Kiowa traditions include the Sun Dance and the Gourd Dance.
  • He studies Kiowa linguistics and oral history.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiowa-Tanoan (n): The language family to which the Kiowa language belongs.
• Kiowa-Apache (n): Refers to the Apache people (Plains Apache) who were closely allied with the Kiowa tribe.

Synonyms

• Tribe (when referring to the people as a group):
• Language (when referring to the linguistic system):

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Kiowa County: Names of places in U.S. states like Oklahoma and Kansas, named after the Kiowa people.
• Kiowa ledger art: A historical and contemporary art form where Kiowa artists drew narratives on paper or in ledger books.

Noun

1. the Tanoan language spoken by the Kiowa
2. a member of a Tanoan people living in the southwestern United States