Arawak

American  

[ar-uh-wahk, -wak] / ˈær əˌwɑk, -ˌwæk /

noun

PLURAL

Arawaks

PLURAL

Arawak

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

2. any of the related Arawakan languages spoken by the Arawak.

---

Etymology

Origin of Arawak

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

Example Sentences

Some contemporary Indigenous groups, including the Arawaks and Piaroa, descend from these ancient societies.

From Science Magazine

Columbus used his foreknowledge of a lunar eclipse to force the Arawak residents of present-day Jamaica to heel in fear.

From Los Angeles Times

I visited in October during Creole Heritage Month, when St. Lucia’s melting pot of Arawak, Carib, African, French and Indian-influenced culture is on full display.

From New York Times

The term hurricane derives from hurakan, an Arawak word for a storm god.

From New York Times

When the mood did indeed take on a "bloody" appearance, the Arawaks promised to resume supplying food to Columbus and his men if he appeased his god.

From Salon