Definition

Noun: 1. A member of a Native American people originally inhabiting the Pacific Northwest: The Nez Perce are a tribe of the Shahaptian people historically living in parts of what are now Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. 2. The language spoken by the Nez Perce people: Nez Perce is the Shahaptian language spoken by this tribe.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the people):
  • Chief Joseph was a famous leader of the Nez Perce.
  • The Nez Perce have a rich cultural heritage tied to the Columbia River Plateau.
• Noun (referring to the language):
  • Efforts are underway to revitalize the Nez Perce language among younger generations.
  • She is studying the grammar of Nez Perce.

Advanced Usage

• The term Nez Perce is an exonym, a name given by outsiders (French Canadian fur traders, meaning "pierced nose"). The tribe's name for themselves in their own language is Nimíipuu, meaning "the people".
• When used attributively (as an adjective), it is typically not hyphenated: e.g., , , .

Variants and Related Words

• Nimíipuu: The self-designation of the Nez Perce people in their own language.
• Shahaptian: Refers to the language family to which Nez Perce belongs, or to the peoples who speak these languages.

Synonyms

• Nimíipuu (specifically for the people, from the autonym).

Noun

1. the Shahaptian language spoken by the Nez Perce
2. a member of a tribe of the Shahaptian people living on the pacific coast