Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of an Algonquian people: The Ojibwa are a Native American people historically living in regions around the Great Lakes, particularly west of Lake Superior.
   • The Algonquian language spoken by this people: Ojibwa refers to the language spoken by the Ojibwa people, belonging to the Algonquian language family.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to a person or people):
• Noun (referring to the language):

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively: The term can be used as a modifier before another noun to describe something pertaining to the Ojibwa people or their culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Ojibway: An alternate spelling for Ojibwa.
• Ojibwe: Another common alternate spelling, often used interchangeably.
• Chippewa: A common English name for the same people and language, often used in historical and official U.S. contexts.
• Anishinaabe: The term many Ojibwa people use for themselves, meaning "original people" or "good people." It can refer more broadly to related Algonquian groups as well.

Synonyms

• Chippewa: (noun) A synonym for the Ojibwa people and their language.
• Anishinaabe: (noun) The autonym (self-designation) for the Ojibwa and related peoples.

Notes on Meaning

The word "Ojibwa" can refer specifically to the people, broadly to their cultural and historical identity, or to their language. The context of the sentence usually makes the specific meaning clear.

Noun

1. the Algonquian language spoken by the Ojibwa
2. a member of an Algonquian people who lived west of Lake Superior