Arawak

[ ar-uh-wahk, -wak ]

/ ˈær əˌwɑk, -ˌwæk /

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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.

QUIZZES

Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.

Question 1 of 7

Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?

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

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