Arawak

noun

Ar·​a·​wak ˈa-rə-ˌwäk How to pronounce Arawak (audio)
-ˌwak, 
ˈer-ə-
plural Arawak or Arawaks
1
: a member of an Indigenous people of the Arawakan group now living chiefly along the coast of Guyana
2
: the language of the Arawak people

Examples of Arawak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to the local Arawak people, the site had once been a thriving village. — Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 23 July 2025 The Spa by Guerlain is a haven of wellness and healing that draws inspiration from the Indigenous Arawak tribe. — Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026 Saba Arawak Hotel Named after the Arawak Indians who migrated to the island, the Saba Arawak Hotel is a no-fuss option for travelers. — Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 Try their Arawak Body Balance treatment using local Moringa Leaf and alternating hot and cold temps for immune support, circulation, inflammation reduction, and relaxation. — Essence, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Arawak

Word History

Etymology

earlier Arwaca, Aroaca, an Arawak subgroup of 16th century Trinidad, perhaps from an Arawak name for the subgroup

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Arawak was in 1769

Rhymes for Arawak

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Browse Nearby Words

Arawa
Arawak
Arawakan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

Arawak

noun
Ar·​a·​wak ˈar-ə-ˌwäk How to pronounce Arawak (audio)
plural Arawak or Arawaks
: a member of an Indigenous people chiefly of Guyana

More from Merriam-Webster on Arawak

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Arawak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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