Native American

noun

: a member of any of the indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere
especially : a Native American of North America and especially the U.S. compare american indian
Native American adjective

Examples of Native American in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But her proclamation about being part Cherokee immediately stirred controversy, as people online questioned how an actress with blond hair and blue eyes could be part Native American, according to a 2017 Yahoo Life report. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 Pocahontas was the first Native American to be honored with a postage stamp (1907). Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 At last year’s Academy Awards, Lily Gladstone became the first Native American to be nominated for Best Actress. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025 Activities are usually related to Native American inspired art, crafts and games. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Native American

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Native American was circa 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Native American.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Native%20American. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

Native American

noun
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere
especially : a Native American of North America and especially the U.S. compare american indian
Native American adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Native American

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