Arawak

[ ar-uh-wahk, -wak ]

/ ˈær əˌwɑk, -ˌwæk /

Save This Word!

noun, plural Ar·a·waks, (especially collectively) Ar·a·wak for 1.

a member of an Indian people once widespread in the Antilles but now living primarily in coastal northeastern South America.

any of the related Arawakan languages spoken by the Arawak.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Arawak

First recorded in 1835–40; a self-designation of the Arawak people

Words nearby Arawak

Araucan, Araucana, Araucania, Araucanian, araucaria, Arawak, Arawakan, Arawn, Araxá, Araxes, arb

How to use Arawak in a sentence

An Arawak term for house, referring specifically to a dwelling with an open shed attached.
Original Narratives of Early American History|Vaca and Others
If the Arawak was impatient of control, the Carib was even more independent.
The West Indies and the Spanish Main [1899]|James Rodway
No longer was it the gentle Arawak whom they encountered, but the ferocious cannibal.
The West Indies and the Spanish Main [1899]|James Rodway
I have stated that I am doubtful as to whether totemism exists in Arawak.
Werwolves|Elliott O'Donnell

His women had provision grounds like those of the Arawak, possibly because they came from that stock.
The West Indies and the Spanish Main [1899]|James Rodway