Five Nations

American  

plural noun

1. a confederacy of Iroquoian Indians: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca, and, after the 18th century, the Tuscarora.

---

Five Nations British  

plural noun

1. Also called: Iroquois.  (formerly) a confederacy of North American Indian peoples living mainly in and around present-day New York state, consisting of the Cayugas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, and Senecas See also Six Nations

---

Example Sentences

Winners of the last Five Nations championship in 1999, Scotland are in uncharted waters in the Six Nations but they know that a bonus-point win over Ireland gives them the best chance of the title.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

"It means a lot and I am very privileged and honoured to accept it," said the former player, who was a part of the iconic 1988 Five Nations Triple Crown-winning team.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Later that year, the rugby team got in on the action before their Five Nations opener with England.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2024

With Wales and Scotland refusing to travel to Ireland because of the political situation and increased violence in Northern Ireland, the 1972 Five Nations was left incomplete.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2024

Various traditions provide different accounts of his background, but most say that Deganawidah was not a member of the Five Nations.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann