Aztec

noun

Az·​tec ˈaz-ˌtek How to pronounce Aztec (audio)
1
a
: a member of a Nahuatl-speaking people that founded the Mexican empire conquered by Cortes in 1519
b
: a member of any people under Aztec influence
2
Aztecan
ˈaz-ˌte-kən How to pronounce Aztec (audio)
ˌaz-ˈte-
adjective

Examples of Aztec in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The feathered headdress once worn by Aztec emperor Moctezuma II resides in Vienna. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 The musical features music and lyrics by Joy Huerta, of the pop duo Jesse & Joy, and Benjamin Velez (Kiss My Aztec), with music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 Go deeper: Several Houston-area organizations promote Indigenous culture and education, including the American Indian Center of Houston, the American Indian Genocide Museum, Houston Aztec Dance and Drum and the Gulf Coast Tia Piah Society. Shafaq Patel, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024 Visit the Aztec Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or check out the Gila Cliff Dwellings and Bandelier National Monument’s Tsankawi Ruins. Lanee Lee, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Aztec 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish azteca, from Nahuatl aztēcah, plural of aztēcatl

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Aztec was in 1810

Dictionary Entries Near Aztec

Cite this Entry

“Aztec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aztec. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Aztec

noun
Az·​tec ˈaz-ˌtek How to pronounce Aztec (audio)
: a member of an Indigenous people that ruled a large empire in Mexico in the 15th-16th centuries

More from Merriam-Webster on Aztec

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