Hoosier
Americannoun
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a native or inhabitant of Indiana (used as a nickname).
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(usually lowercase) any awkward, unsophisticated person, especially a rustic.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of Hoosier
An Americanism dating back to 1920–30; of uncertain origin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hailing from Indianapolis, Cohen credits fellow Hoosier Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., for capturing the simple pleasures that The Beatles’ songbook offers.
From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026
Michigan and Ohio drivers saw sharp price drops, while the Hoosier State “experienced even steeper relief after the state temporarily waived both its excise and use taxes on gasoline.”
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
But Kennedy Smith put the finishing touches on any Indiana comeback, snagging the ball away from Hoosier guard Lenee Davenport in the final minute as she tried to lift up for a lay-in.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
Early in the fourth quarter, Indiana’s defense forced a three-and-out, blocked Oregon’s punt and recovered the ball 7 yards from the end zone, giving the Hoosier offense its third short field of the night.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026
“I’d go to Hoosier Hill with a beautiful girl.”
From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
