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Indian country

American

noun

(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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As the top spokesperson for tribal gaming, his role was as much speaking up for Indian country as it was rallying tribes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

“Gaming in Indian country can be a tide that raises all of our canoes,” insisted Potter, who appeared at times to fight back tears as he spoke at the Sacramento hearing.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2023

“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

As they used to do long ago at night in Indian country.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023