Clovis

¹ American  

[kloh-vis] / ˈkloʊ vɪs /

adjective

1. of or relating to a Paleo-Indian cultural tradition of North America, especially the American Southwest, dated 10,000–9000 b.c. and characterized by a usually bifacial, fluted stone projectile point Clovis point used in big-game hunting.

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Clovis ² American  

[kloh-vis] / ˈkloʊ vɪs /

noun

1. a town in central California.

2. a city in E New Mexico.

3. a male given name.

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Etymology

Origin of Clovis

1955–60; after Clovis, New Mexico, near where such projectile points were found

Example Sentences

Corona Centennial 81, Rancho Christian 61: The Huskies will play Clovis in the Division I championship game Friday at 6 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

According to the study, this growing body of evidence "supports a cosmic impact as a major contributing factor in the megafaunal extinctions and the collapse of the Clovis technocomplex at the Younger Dryas onset."

From Science Daily • Jan. 1, 2026

"These three sites were classic sites in the discovery and the documentation of the megafaunal extinctions in North America and the disappearance of the Clovis culture," said Kennett.

From Science Daily • Jan. 1, 2026

"If we don't load the boats enough, we won't break even," Clovis Engombe, vice-president of the local shipowners' association, told AFP.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

Paleontologist Charles Gilmore took the train to Clovis that summer.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann