Indian country

American  

noun

1. (especially during the U.S. westward migration) any region where one was likely to encounter Indians, especially hostile Indians.

---

Etymology

Origin of Indian country

An Americanism dating back to 1690–1700

Example Sentences

Critically, the justices reaffirmed that Indian country is part of the state, not separate from it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

And “for all of Indian country, we’re talking about a very small number of in-patient psychiatric facilities,” Gone says.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2024

“Our work for Indian country is far from over, but the progress we’ve accomplished under this Administration is historic,” she adds.

From National Geographic • Aug. 8, 2023

Ninety-five percent of Tulsa, though, is considered Indian country, according to the city’s court filing.

From Washington Times • Jul. 31, 2023

Woolf hustled him deftly; having begun his career booting horses through walk-up match races in Indian country, he knew how to hit the gas on a horse.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand