American Indian

American  

noun

1. Indian.

2. Amerind. AmerInd

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American Indian British  

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

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adjective

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

Sensitive Note

See Indian.

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

Etymology

Origin of American Indian

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

American Indian and Alaska Native people now have the highest cancer death rates in the country, with deaths from kidney, liver, stomach and cervical cancers about double that of white Americans.

From Los Angeles Times

Previous Stanford-led research showed that long-term NO2 exposure is 60 percent higher in American Indian and Alaska Native households and 20 percent higher in Black and Hispanic or Latino households compared to the national average.

From Science Daily

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.

From BBC

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Salon