Native American
noun
Definition for native americans (2 of 2)
native American
noun
a person born in the United States.
Origin of native American
An Americanism dating back to 1835–45
OTHER WORDS FROM native American
na·tive-A·mer·i·can, adjectiveBritish Dictionary definitions for native americans
Native American
noun
A member of the indigenous peoples of North America
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of Native Americans or any of their languages
Cultural definitions for native americans
Native Americans
The descendants of the original inhabitants of North America and South America before the arrival of white settlers from Europe, also called Indians or American Indians. The term Native American is sometimes preferred over Indian because the latter is a misnomer that originated with Columbus, who mistook the inhabitants of America for the people of India. Both terms, however, are accepted.
notes for Native Americans
In recent years, Native American activism has taken the form of calls for the protection of their tribal or ancestral shrines and artifacts.