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

The only Native American currently serving in the Senate is Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Feb. 2025

Haaland, who served in the Biden administration, was the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency. —Ivana Saric, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025

Guests were treated to a variety of multicultural breakfast items, prayer readings from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Native American, Muslim and Hindu guests, and a performance by the Prior Lake High School Choir. —Jacqueline Devine, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Her win at the 96th Oscars proved an upset for Oscars fans who had hoped Lily Gladstone would make history as the first Native American to win the Best Actress Oscar. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined above

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