indigenous
Americanadjective
-
originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often followed byto ).
the plants indigenous to Canada.
- Synonyms:
- natural, aboriginal, autochthonous
-
Indigenous. relating to or being a people who are the original, earliest known inhabitants of a region, or are their descendants: the Indigenous languages of the Americas.
the Indigenous Maori of New Zealand;
the Indigenous languages of the Americas.
-
innate; inherent; natural (usually followed byto ).
feelings indigenous to human beings.
adjective
-
originating or occurring naturally (in a country, region, etc); native
-
innate (to); inherent (in)
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of indigenous
First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin indigen(a) “native, original inhabitant” ( indi-, by-form of in- in- 2 ( cf. indagate) + -gena, derivative from base of gignere “to bring into being”; cf. genital, genitor) + -ous
Explanation
Use indigenous to describe a plant, animal or person that is native or original to an area. Though Switzerland is known for its chocolates, chocolate, which comes from the cocoa plant, is indigenous to South America. Indigenous, aboriginal, and native all mean the same thing. Aboriginal, however, is commonly used in connection with Australia, and native with North America. The most neutral of the three terms, indigenous comes from the Latin word, indigena meaning "a native." An indigenous ceremony or religion is one traditionally used by a certain group of people.
Vocabulary lists containing indigenous
Grade 9, List 3
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October Words
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November Words
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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.
They added they do not believe it is related to Truth and Reconciliation day, a national holiday that honours victims and survivors of Canada's residential schools, which sought to forcefully assimilate indigenous children.
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026
A Swedish truth commission on Wednesday urged the state to apologise for injustices committed against its indigenous Sami people, including assimilation programmes, and provide compensation and redress.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
In December 2025, a Finnish a truth and reconciliation commission called on Finland to rectify injustices committed against the indigenous Sami people.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
His paintings at smoke the moon echo European Impressionism while their frames are ornamented with cast-aluminum sculptures of objects that speak to the artist’s indigenous heritage.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
I leave out that I used to be one of those poor indigenous children.
From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
