Amerindian

noun

Am·​er·​in·​di·​an ˌa-mə-ˈrin-dē-ən How to pronounce Amerindian (audio)
dated, sometimes offensive : american indian
Amerind
ˈa-mə-ˌrind How to pronounce Amerindian (audio)
noun or adjective dated, sometimes offensive
Amerindian adjective dated, sometimes offensive

Word History

Etymology

American + Indian

First Known Use

circa 1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Amerindian was circa 1898

Rhymes for Amerindian

See All Rhymes for Amerindian

Browse Nearby Words

AmerInd
Amerindian
amerism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amerindian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Amerindian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Amerindian

noun
Am·​er·​in·​di·​an ˌam-ə-ˈrin-dē-ən How to pronounce Amerindian (audio)
variants also Amerind
ˈa-mə-ˌrind
: american indian
Amerindian adjective
also Amerind

More from Merriam-Webster on Amerindian

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Amerindian

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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