Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a Native American people: A Paiute is a person belonging to either of two culturally distinct but linguistically related groups, the Northern Paiute and the Southern Paiute, traditionally living in the Great Basin and southwestern regions of the United States.
   • The language of these peoples: Paiute refers to the Shoshonean (Numic) language spoken by these peoples, which is part of the larger Uto-Aztecan language family.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (referring to a person or people):
  • The Paiute have a deep knowledge of the desert environment.
  • She is a Paiute elder who teaches traditional basket-weaving.
• Noun (referring to the language):
  • Efforts are being made to revitalize the Paiute language among the youth.
  • He is one of the few fluent speakers of Paiute in the community.

Advanced Usage

• The term "Paiute" is an exonym (a name given by outsiders). Some groups may prefer specific tribal names (e.g., Numa, Nuwuvi) or the distinction between Northern Paiute and Southern Paiute.
  • The conference included representatives from several Northern Paiute bands.

Variants and Related Words

• Northern Paiute: Refers specifically to the peoples and language varieties of the Great Basin in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and California.
• Southern Paiute: Refers specifically to the peoples and language varieties of the Mojave Desert and surrounding areas in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California.
• Numic: The branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family that includes Paiute, Shoshone, and Comanche.

Synonyms

• Numa (a term sometimes used by Northern Paiute peoples for themselves).
• Nuwuvi (a term sometimes used by Southern Paiute peoples for themselves).

Related Cultural Notes

• Paiute-Shoshone: A common combined designation reflecting the close linguistic and cultural ties, often seen in official tribal names (e.g., the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe).
• Basketmaker: Paiute peoples, particularly Southern Paiute, are renowned for their intricate and durable basket-weaving techniques.

Noun

1. the Shoshonean language spoken by the Paiute
2. a member of either of two Shoshonean peoples (northern Paiute and southern Paiute) related to the Aztecs and living in the southwestern United States