Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of or pertaining to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas or their cultures or languages: Describes something originating from or connected to the peoples who lived in North, Central, or South America before the arrival of European settlers.

2. Noun:

   • A member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas: Refers to an individual belonging to the various peoples living in the continents of North and South America prior to European contact and their descendants.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The museum has a significant collection of Native American artifacts.
  • She studies Native American languages and their preservation.

• Noun:

  • Many Native Americans were displaced from their ancestral lands.
  • He is a Native American from the Navajo Nation.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective term: The term "Native American" is often used as a broad, collective identifier in the United States. However, specific tribal affiliation (e.g., Cherokee, Lakota, Hopi) is generally preferred when known.
  • While "Native American" is a common term, she identifies specifically as a member of the Choctaw Nation.

Variants and Related Words

• American Indian: A synonymous term, though preferences between "Native American" and "American Indian" vary among individuals and communities.
• Indigenous peoples (of the Americas): A broader, more inclusive term emphasizing original inhabitation.
• First Nations: A term primarily used for Indigenous peoples in Canada (excluding Inuit and Métis).
• Alaska Native: Refers to the Indigenous peoples of Alaska.
• Native Hawaiian: Refers to the Indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands.

Synonyms

• American Indian
• Indigenous American
• Amerindian (less common, often used in anthropological contexts)

Related Phrases and Usage Notes

• "Native American community": Refers to the collective social and cultural groups.
  • The policy aims to support economic development in the Native American community.
• "Native American heritage": Refers to the cultural and historical legacy.
  • He takes great pride in his Native American heritage.

Important Note on Usage

The term "Native American" is a demonym and should be capitalized in all uses, similar to "European" or "Asian." Preferences for nomenclature can be personal, tribal, and regional. It is always respectful to use the specific name of a person's nation or tribe when possible.

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to American Indians or their culture or languages
   • Native American religions
   • Indian arrowheads

Noun

1. any member of the peoples living in North or South America before the Europeans arrived