American Indian

noun

1. Indian.

2. Amerind. AmerInd

American Indian

noun

1. Also called: Native American. a member of any of the indigenous peoples of North, Central, or South America, esp those of North America

adjective

1. Also: Amerindian. of or relating to any of these peoples, their languages, or their cultures

Usage

This term is still acceptable and is widely used by American Indians themselves. The most accepted phrase in general use nowadays is Native American

Sensitive Note

See Indian.

Word History and Origins

Origin of American Indian¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

The announcement follows a mid-November meeting with King and members of the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, a US-based group dedicated to exposing people who falsely claim American Indian heritage.

Read more on BBC

“Come over and help us,” the early seal said, the words issuing from the mouth of a naked American Indian.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 1999, he was elected as a first vice president for the National Congress of American Indians.

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The privilege of listening to American Indians’ stories and struggles, and of conveying them in courtrooms and classrooms over many years, has filled my journey with purpose.

Read more on Salon

The American Indians had done nothing to warrant war, but white trespassers had discovered gold in the sacred Black Hills, a mountain range in what is now western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal