indigenous

American  

[in-dij-uh-nuhs] / ɪnˈdɪdʒ ə nəs /

adjective

1. originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often followed byto ).

   the plants indigenous to Canada.

   Synonyms:

   natural, aboriginal, autochthonous

   Antonyms:

   exotic, foreign

2. Indigenous. relating to or being a people who are the original, earliest known inhabitants of a region, or are their descendants: the Indigenous languages of the Americas.

   the Indigenous Maori of New Zealand;

   the Indigenous languages of the Americas.

3. innate; inherent; natural (usually followed byto ).

   feelings indigenous to human beings.

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indigenous British  

/ ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs, ˌɪndɪˈdʒɛnɪtɪ /

adjective

1. originating or occurring naturally (in a country, region, etc); native

2. innate (to); inherent (in)

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indigenous Scientific  

/ ĭn-dĭj′ə-nəs /

1. Native to a particular region or environment but occurring naturally in other places as well. The American black bear is indigenous to many different parts of North America.

2. Compare alien endemic

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unindigenously
  adverb
• indigenously
  adverb
• unindigenous
  adjective
• nonindigenous
  adjective
• indigenousness
  noun
• indigenity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of indigenous

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin indigen(a) “native, original inhabitant” ( indi-, by-form of in- in- ² ( cf. indagate) + -gena, derivative from base of gignere “to bring into being”; cf. genital, genitor) + -ous

Explanation

Use indigenous to describe a plant, animal or person that is native or original to an area. Though Switzerland is known for its chocolates, chocolate, which comes from the cocoa plant, is indigenous to South America. Indigenous, aboriginal, and native all mean the same thing. Aboriginal, however, is commonly used in connection with Australia, and native with North America. The most neutral of the three terms, indigenous comes from the Latin word, indigena meaning "a native." An indigenous ceremony or religion is one traditionally used by a certain group of people.

Example Sentences

While Wellington does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, "this does not preclude New Zealand from maintaining trade, economic, cultural and indigenous exchanges", the foreign ministry said.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

The indigenous names Judea and Samaria recognize the places’ connection to history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Under the banner of “sovereign AI,” governments across the globe are purchasing their own AI data centers and funding the creation of AI models that reflect their indigenous culture.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

The venture is backed by Western LNG, which counts Blackstone Energy Transition Partners as a major investor, and is also co-owned by a local indigenous group, Nisga’a Nation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Most of them have graduated already, and some go to Santa Juana de Chantal, which I guess must be the colegio for indigenous students.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau

Related Words

• congenital
• connate
• constitutional
• essential
• fundamental
• inborn
• inherent
• inherited
• innate
• intrinsic
• natural
• unacquired