Apache

noun

ə-ˈpa-chē 

in sense 3

ə-ˈpash 

plural Apache or Apaches ə-ˈpa-chēz 

-ˈpash,

-ˈpa-shəz

1

: a member of a group of Indigenous peoples of the southwestern U.S.

2

: any of the Athabascan languages of the Apache people

3

not capitalized [French, from Apache Apache Indian]

a

: a member of a gang of criminals especially in Paris

b

: ruffian

Apachean

ə-ˈpa-chē-ən 

adjective or noun

Examples of Apache in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two versions of the Apache system: XC and Backcountry. —New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2025

Amor Apache features distinctive clothing and accessories like journal covers, handbags and jewelry by Mexican designers. —Freda Moon, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025

Substation moves to senior center The Community Police Substation, at 274 Westward Drive, has been relocated to the Miami Springs Senior Center, 101 Apache St., Castillo announced. —Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025

Although it was not mentioned in the letter, the Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico announced one of its members was approached by an ICE agent who spoke in Spanish. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, perhaps from Zuni ʔa·paču Navajo, Apachean

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Apache

• catchy
• patchy
• scratchy
• malachi

Kids Definition

Apache

noun

ə-ˈpach-ē 

plural Apache or Apaches

: a member of a group of Indigenous peoples of the southwestern U.S.

also : any of the languages of the Apache people