Botocudo

noun

Bo·​to·​cu·​do
ˌbōtəˈkü(ˌ)dō
plural Botocudo or Botocudos
1
: a South American labret-wearing people (such as the Tupian Indians of eastern Brazil)
2
: a member of a Botocudo people
3
: the language of the Botocudo people

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from botoque wooden plug, alteration of batoque plug, bunghole, probably from Middle French bartoc plug, bung; from the large cylindrical wooden plugs they wear in their ear lobes and lower lips

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Botocudo

Cite this Entry

“Botocudo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Botocudo. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!