American Indian

noun

plural American Indians

: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere except often certain peoples (such as the Yupik and Inuit) who live in arctic regions

especially : an American Indian of North America and especially the U.S. compare native american

American Indian adjective

Examples of American Indian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Righting historical wrongs The members of Denver’s American Indian Commission would love to have more news to celebrate and have to respond to fewer events that invoke rage. —Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 17 Nov. 2024

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association is helping Native Nations access USDA Forest Service resources and funding. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024

This year will mark the 12th celebration of the American Indian Veteran National Memorial with live music, veteran artists, films, Native dances, exhibitions and more. Veterans plus one guest receive free museum admission Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 5-10. Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11. —Meredith G. White, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024

Efforts to recognize Native Americans began with American Indian Day in 1915, according to the Library of Congress. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

American Indian

noun

: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere except often certain peoples (as the Yupik and Inuit) who live in arctic regions

especially : an American Indian of North America and especially the U.S.

American Indian adjective