List of English words from Indigenous languages of the Americas

Template:Cleanup lang This is a list of English language words borrowed from Indigenous languages of the Americas, either directly or through intermediate European languages such as Spanish or French. It does not cover names of ethnic groups or place names derived from Indigenous languages.

Most words of Native American/First Nations language origin are the common names for indigenous flora and fauna, or describe items of Native American or First Nations life and culture. Some few are names applied in honor of Native Americans or First Nations peoples or due to a vague similarity to the original object of the word. For instance, sequoias are named in honor of the Cherokee leader Sequoyah, who lived 2,000 miles (3,200 km) east of that tree's range, while the kinkajou of South America was given a name from the unrelated North American wolverine.

Words from Algonquian languages

Since Native Americans and First Nations peoples speaking a language of the Algonquian group were generally the first to meet English explorers and settlers along the Eastern Seaboard, many words from these languages made their way into English.

In addition, many place names in North America are of Algonquian origin, for example: Mississippi (cf. Template:Langx and Template:Langx, "great river," referring to the Mississippi River)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="CDMO">Nichols, John, and Earl Nyholm. 1995. A Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press</ref> and Michigan (cf. Template:Langx, Template:Langx, "great sea," referring to Lake Michigan).<ref name="CDMO" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Canadian provinces and U.S. states, districts, counties and municipalities bear Algonquian names, such as Québec, Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Nantucket, Massachusetts, Naugatuck, Connecticut, Wyoming, District of Keewatin, Outagamie County, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois, or Algonquian-derived names, such as Algoma.

Furthermore, some indigenous peoples of the Americas groups are known better by their Algonquian exonyms, rather than by their endonym, such as the Eskimo (see below), Winnebago (perhaps from Template:Langx),<ref name="Cthreeninenine">Campbell (1997:399)</ref> Sioux (ultimately from Template:Langx),<ref name="Cthreeninenine" /> Assiniboine (Template:Langx)<ref name="CDMO" /> and Chipewyan (Template:Langx).<ref>Campbell (1997:395)</ref>

Apishamore (definition)

From a word in an Algonquian language meaning "something to lie down upon"<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> (cf. Ojibwe {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}).<ref name="CDMO" />

Atamasco lily (definition)

Earlier "attamusca", from Powhatan.<ref>RHD (1987:129)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Babiche (definition)

From Míkmaq ápapíj (from ápapi, "cord, thread", Proto-Algonquian *aʔrapa·pyi, from *aʔrapy-, "net" + *-a·by-, "string".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Caribou (definition)

From Míkmaq qalipu, "snow-shoveler" (from qalipi, "shovel snow", Proto-Algonquian *maka·ripi-).<ref>RHD (1987:315-16)</ref>

Caucus (definition)

The etymology is disputed: two possible sources are an Algonquian word for "counsel", 'cau´-cau-as´u'; or the Algonquian {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, meaning an advisor, talker, or orator.<ref>Wilson, James (1999). The Earth Shall Weep. New York City, NY: Atlantic Monthly Press. pp. 104–105. Template:ISBN.</ref>

Chinkapin (definition)

From Powhatan chechinquamins,<ref>RHD (1987:361)</ref> reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, the plural form.<ref>Siebert (1975:323)</ref>

Chipmunk (definition)

Originally "chitmunk," from Odawa jidmoonh<ref name="EOCOD">Rhodes, Richard A. 1985. Eastern Ojibwa–Chippewa–Ottawa Dictionary. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter</ref> {{#invoke:IPA|main}} (cf. Ojibwe ajidamoo(nh)),<ref name="CDMO" /> "American red squirrel".

Cisco (definition)

Originally "siscowet," from Ojibwe language bemidewiskaawed "greasy-bodied [fish]".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Cockarouse (definition)

From Powhatan, meaning a leader in certain Native American groups.

Eskimo (definition)

From Old Montagnais aiachkimeou ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}; modern ayassimēw), meaning "snowshoe-netter" (many times incorrectly claimed to be from an Ojibwe word meaning "eaters of raw [meat]"), and originally used to refer to the Mikmaq.<ref>Campbell (1997:394)</ref><ref>Goddard, Ives (1984). "Synonymy". In "Arctic", ed. David Damas. Vol. 5 of Handbook of North American Indians, ed. William C. Sturtevant. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, pp. 5:5–6</ref>

Hickory (definition)

From Powhatan <pocohiquara>, "milky drink made with hickory nuts".<ref>RHD (1987:900)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Hominy (definition)

From Powhatan <uskatahomen>/<usketchaumun>, literally "that which is treated", in this case "that which is ground/beaten".<ref>RHD (1987:915)</ref>

Husky (definition)

Ultimately from a variant form of the word "Eskimo" (see above).<ref>Template:OEtymD</ref>

Kinkajou (definition)

From an Algonquian word meaning "wolverine" (cf. Algonquin kwingwaage, Ojibwe gwiingwa'aage),<ref name="CDMO" /> through French {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kinnikinnick (definition)

From Unami Delaware {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, "mixture" (cf. Ojibwe {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} "to mix something animate with something inanimate"),<ref name="CDMO" /> from Proto-Algonquian *kereken-, "mix (it) with something different by hand".<ref>RHD (1987:1058)</ref>

Mackinaw (definition)

From {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, from Menomini mishilimaqkināhkw, "be large like a snapping turtle",Template:Citation needed or from Ojibwe mishi-makinaak, "large snapping turtle" with French {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, "island".Template:Citation needed

Moccasin (definition)

From an Algonquian language, perhaps Powhatan <mockasin>,<ref>Bright (2004:291)</ref> reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>Siebert (1975:381)</ref>(cf. Ojibwe makizin,<ref name="CDMO" /> Míkmaq mɨkusun,<ref>Template:OEtymD</ref> from Proto-Algonquian *maxkeseni).<ref>RHD (1987:1235)</ref>

Moose (definition)

From Eastern Abenaki moz, reinforced by cognates from other Algonquian languages<ref>Bright (2004:297)</ref><ref name="RHDmoose">RHD (1987:1247)</ref> (e.g. Massachusett/Narragansett moos,<ref name="RHDmoose" /> Ojibwe moo(n)z,<ref name="CDMO" /> Lenape mus 'elk'<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>), from Proto-Algonquian *mo·swa.<ref name="RHDmoose" />

Mugwump (definition)

From "mugquomp", a shortening of Massachusett <muggumquomp>, "war chief" (Proto-Algonquian *memekwa·pe·wa, from *memekw-, "swift" + *-a·pe·, "man").<ref>RHD (1987:1261)</ref>

Muskellunge (definition)

Ultimately from Ojibwe {{#invoke:Lang|lang}},<ref name="CDMO" /> "ugly pike" (cf. ginoozhe, "pike").

Muskeg (definition)

From Cree {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, "swamp"<ref>Bright (2004:304)</ref> (Proto-Algonquian *maškye·kwi).<ref name="RHDtwo">RHD (1987:1268)</ref>

Muskrat (definition)

A folk-etymologized reshaping of earlier "musquash", from Massachusett (cf. Western Abenaki mòskwas), apparently from Proto-Algonquian *mo·šk, "bob (at the surface of the water)" + *-exkwe·-, "head" + a derivational ending).<ref name="RHDtwo" />

Opossum (definition)

From Powhatan <apasum>/<opussum>/<aposoum>, "white dog-like animal",<ref>RHD (1987:1359)</ref> reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>Siebert (1975:363)</ref> (cf. Proto-Algonquian {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, "white dog").<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Papoose (definition)

From Narragansett <papoòs><ref name="AHd">American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language</ref> or Massachusett <pappouse>, "baby".<ref>RHD (1987:1405)</ref>

Pecan (definition)

From Illinois pakani (cf. Ojibwe bagaan),<ref name="CDMO" /> "nut", from Proto-Algonquian *paka·ni.<ref>RHD (1987:1427)</ref>

Pemmican (definition)

From Cree pimihkān, from pimihkēw, "to make grease" (Proto-Algonquian *pemihke·wa, from *pemy-, "grease" + -ehke·, "to make").<ref>RHD (1987:1432)</ref>

Persimmon (definition)

From Powhatan <pessemins>/<pushemins>, reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}}.<ref>Siebert (1975:367)</ref> While the final element reflects Proto-Algonquian *-min, "fruit, berry", the initial is unknown.<ref>RHD (1987:1445)</ref>

Pipsissewa (definition)

From Abenaki kpipskwáhsawe, "flower of the woods".<ref name="AHd" /><ref>RHD (1987:1474)</ref>

Pokeweed (definition)

Probably from "puccoon" (see below) + "weed".<ref name="AHd" />

Pone (definition)

From Powhatan <poan>/<appoans>, "something roasted" (reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}})<ref>Siebert (1975:320)</ref> (cf. Ojibwe abwaan),<ref name="CDMO" /> from Proto-Algonquian *apwa·n.<ref>RHD (1987:1503)</ref>

Powwow (definition)

From Narragansett powwaw, "shaman" (Proto-Algonquian *pawe·wa, "to dream, to have a vision").<ref>Bright (2004:397)</ref>

Puccoon (definition)

From Powhatan <poughkone>,<ref name="AHd" /> reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>Siebert (1975:369)</ref> (cf. Unami Delaware {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, 'red dye; the plant from which dye is made').<ref>RHD (1987:1563)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref>

Pung

A low box-like sleigh designed for one horse. Shortened form of "tom-pung" (from the same etymon as "toboggan") from an Algonquian language of Southern New England.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Punkie (definition)

Via Dutch, from Munsee {{#invoke:IPA|main}} (Proto-Algonquian *penkwehsa, from *penkw-, "dust, ashes" + *-ehs, a diminutive suffix).<ref>RHD (1987:1568)</ref>

Quahog (definition)

From Narragansett <poquaûhock>.<ref>RHD (1987:1578)</ref>

Quonset hut (definition)

From an Algonquian language of southern New England, possibly meaning "small long place" (with <qunni->, "long" + <-s->, diminutive + <-et>, locative).<ref>Bright (2004:406)</ref>

Raccoon (definition)

From Powhatan <arahkun>/<aroughcun>,<ref>RHD (1987:1590)</ref> tentatively reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}}.<ref>Siebert (1975:370)</ref>

Sachem (definition)

From an Algonquian language of southern New England,<ref>RHD (1987:1688)</ref> cf. Narragansett <sâchim> (Proto-Eastern Algonquian *sākimāw, "chief").<ref name="Godd">Goddard, Ives (1978). "Eastern Algonquian languages", in "Northeast", ed. Bruce G. Trigger. Vol. 15 of Handbook of North American Indians, ed. William C. Sturtevant. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, pg. 75</ref>

Sagamore (definition)

From Eastern Abenaki sakəma (cf. Narragansett <sâchim>), "chief", from Proto-Eastern Algonquian *sākimāw.<ref name="Godd" />

Scup (definition)

Shortened from scuppaug, which is from Narragansett mishcùppaûog.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Shoepac (definition)

From Unami Delaware {{#invoke:IPA|main}} "shoes" (singular {{#invoke:IPA|main}}), altered on analogy with English "shoe".<ref>RHD (1987:1768)</ref>

Skunk (definition)

From Massachusett <squnck>Template:Citation needed (Proto-Algonquian *šeka·kwa, from *šek-, "to urinate" + *-a·kw, "fox").<ref>Bright (2004:452-453)</ref>

Squash (fruit) (definition)

From Narragansett <askútasquash>.<ref name="RHDthree">RHD (1987:1850)</ref>

Squaw (definition)

From Massachusett <squa> (cf. Cree iskwē, Ojibwe ikwe),<ref name="CDMO" /> "woman", from Proto-Algonquian *eθkwe·wa.<ref name="RHDthree" />

Succotash (definition)

From Narragansett <msíckquatash>, "boiled whole kernels of corn" (Proto-Algonquian *mesi·nkwete·wari, singular *mesi·nkwete·, from *mes-, "whole" + *-i·nkw-, "eye [=kernel]" + -ete·, "to cook").<ref>RHD (1987:1899)</ref>

Tabagie (definition)

From Algonquin {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Tautog (definition)

From Narragansett tautaũog.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Terrapin (definition)

Originally "torope," from an Eastern Algonquian language, perhaps Powhatan (reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}})<ref>Siebert (1975:394)</ref> (cf. Munsee Delaware {{#invoke:IPA|main}}),<ref name="Bright 2004:489">Bright (2004:489)</ref> from Proto-Eastern Algonquian *tōrəpēw.<ref>RHD (1987:1960)</ref>

Toboggan (definition)

From Míkmaq topaqan<ref name="RHD 1987:1990">RHD (1987:1990)</ref> or Maliseet-Passamaquoddy {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>Bright (2004:499)</ref> (Proto-Algonquian *weta·pye·kani, from *wet-, "to drag" + *-a·pye·-, "cordlike object" + *-kan, "instrument for").<ref name="RHD 1987:1990" />

Tomahawk (definition)

From Powhatan <tamahaac> (Proto-Algonquian *temaha·kani, from *temah-, "to cut" + *-a·kan, "instrument for").<ref>RHD (1987:1993)</ref>

Totem (definition)

From Ojibwe nindoodem, "my totem" or odoodeman, "his totem," referring to a kin group.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tuckahoe (definition)

From Powhatan <tockawhoughe>/<tockwhough>/<taccaho>, "root used for bread", reconstituted as {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>Siebert (1975:397)</ref> (perhaps from Proto-Algonquian *takwah-, "pound (it)/reduce (it) to flour").<ref>RHD (1987:2033)</ref>

Tullibee (definition)

From Old Ojibwe {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>RHD (1987:2034)</ref> (modern odoonibii).<ref name="CDMO" />

Wampum (definition)

Earlier "wampumpeag", from Massachusett, and meaning "white strings [of beads]" (cf. Maliseet: wapapiyik,<ref>Francis & Leavitt. 2008. A Passamaquoddy–Maliseet Dictionary. Orono: University of Maine Press. Page 588.</ref> Eastern Abenaki wápapəyak, Ojibwe waabaabiinyag),<ref name="CDMO" /> from Proto-Algonquian *wa·p-, "white" + *-a·py-, "string-like object" + *-aki, plural.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>RHD (1987:2140)</ref>

Wanigan (definition)

From Ojibwa {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, "storage pit".<ref>Wanigan American Heritage Dictionary of English Language, Fourth Edition, 2000</ref>

Wapiti (elk) (definition)

From Shawnee waapiti, "white rump" (cf. Ojibwe waabidiy),<ref name="CDMO" /> from Proto-Algonquian *wa·petwiya, from *wa·p-, "white" + *-etwiy, "rump".<ref>RHD (1987:2141)</ref>

Wickiup (definition)

From Fox wiikiyaapi, from the same Proto-Algonquian etymon as "wigwam" (see below).<ref>RHD (1987:2172)</ref>

Wigwam (definition)

From Eastern Abenaki wìkəwam (cf. Ojibwe wiigiwaam),<ref name="CDMO" /> from Proto-Algonquian *wi·kiwa·Hmi.<ref>RHD (1987:2173)</ref>

Woodchuck (definition)

Reshaped on analogy with "wood" and "chuck", from an Algonquian language of southern New England (cf. Narragansett <ockqutchaun>, "woodchuck").<ref>RHD (1987:2186)</ref>

Words from Nahuatl

Unless otherwise specified, {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} is among the sources used for each etymology

Words of Nahuatl origin have entered many European languages. Mainly they have done so via Spanish. Most words of Nahuatl origin end in a form of the Nahuatl "absolutive suffix" ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, or the Spanish adaptation {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), which marked unpossessed nouns.

Achiote (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Atlatl (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Atole (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Avocado (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, 'avocado' or 'testicle' {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, via Spanish aguacate and later avocado (influenced by early Spanish abogado 'lawyer')<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Axolotl (definition)

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, via Spanish, ultimately from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, 'water' + {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, 'male servant'<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Aztec (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} 'coming from Aztlan', via Spanish Azteca<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Cacao (definition) and Cocoa (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Chayote (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Chia (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Chicle (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Chili (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Chipotle (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} 'smoked chili', from chili + poctli 'smoke'<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Chocolate (definition)

Often said to be from Nahuatl {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}<ref name='AHd' /> or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}},<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> which would be derived from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} 'bitter' and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} 'water' (with an irregular change of x to ch).<ref>Karttunen, Frances (1983). An Analytical Dictionary of Nahuatl. Austin: University of Texas Press, p. 54.</ref> However, the form {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} is not directly attested, and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} does not appear in Nahuatl until the mid-18th century. Some researchers have recently proposed that the {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} element was originally {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, and referred to a special wooden stick used to prepare chocolate.<ref>Dakin, Karen and Wichmann, Søren (2000). 'Cacao and Chocolate: An Uto-Aztec perspective.' Ancient Mesoamerica, vol. 11, pp.55–75.</ref>

Copal (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Coyote (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} via Spanish<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Epazote (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Guacamole (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, 'avocado', and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, 'sauce', via Mexican Spanish<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Hoatzin (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Jicama (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Mesquite (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, via Spanish mezquite<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mezcal (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}} {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}} and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}} which mean 'oven cooked agave.'<ref name='What Is Mezcal'>What is Mezcal? Elmezcal.org Template:Webarchive</ref>

Mole (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, 'sauce'

Nixtamalization (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Nopal (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, 'prickly pear cactus', via American Spanish<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Ocelot (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}} 'jaguar', via French<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Ocotillo (definition)

from ocotl 'pine, torch made of pine', via Mexican Spanish ocote + diminutive -illo<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Peyote (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}. Nahuatl probably borrowed the root {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} from another language, but the source is not known.<ref>Campbell (1997:403, n. 53)</ref>

Pinole (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, via Spanish

Quetzal (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, 'quetzal feather'.<ref>RHD (1987:1585)</ref>

Sapodilla (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sapota (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Shack (definition)

possibly from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, 'grass hut', by way of Mexican Spanish.<ref name='AHd' /><ref>shack Template:Webarchive</ref>

Sotol (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tamale (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, via Spanish tamal. The Spanish plural is tamales, and the English derives from a false singular tamale.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tequila

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} 'work' + {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} 'place'

Tlacoyo (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}

Tomato (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, via Spanish tomate. The change from tomate to tomato was likely influenced by the spelling of potato<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tule (definition)

from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, 'reed, bulrush'

Words from Quechua

Unless otherwise specified, Words in English from Amerindian Languages is among the sources used for each etymology

A number of words from Quechua have entered English, mostly via Spanish, adopting Hispanicized spellings.

Ayahuasca (definition)

from aya "corpse" and waska "rope", via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Cachua (definition)

from qhachwa

Chinchilla(definition)

possibly from Quechua. May be from Spanish chinche

Chuño (definition)

from ch'uñu

Coca (definition)

from kuka, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Cocaine (definition)

from kuka (see above), probably via French {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Condor (definition)

from kuntur, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Gran Chaco (definition)

from chaku, "hunt"

Guanaco (definition)

from wanaku

Guano (definition)

from wanu via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Inca (definition)

from Inka "lord, king"

Jerky (definition)

from ch'arki, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Lagniappe (definition)

from yapay, "add, addition", via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (with the definite article la).

Lima (definition)

from rimay, "speak" (from the name of the city, named for the Rimaq river ("speaking river"))

Llama (definition)

from llama, via Spanish

Lucuma (definition)

from lukuma, via Spanish<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mashua (definition)

from maswa

Pampa (definition)

from pampa, "a large plain", via Spanish

Pisco (definition)

from pisqu, "bird"

Puma (definition)

from puma, via Spanish

Quinine (definition)

from kinakina, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Quinoa (definition)

from kinwa, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Quipu (definition)

from khipu, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Soroche (definition)

from suruqchi or suruqch'i, "Altitude sickness"<ref>Vocabulario Comparativo Quechua Cuzqueño-Quechua Boliviano Template:Webarchive(PDF)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Vicuña (definition)

from wik'uña, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Viscacha (definition)

from wisk'acha, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Words from Eskaleut languages

Anorak (definition)

from Greenlandic Inuit annoraaq<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Chimo (definition)

from the Inuktitut word saimo (ᓴᐃᒧ {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, a word of greeting, farewell, and toast before drinking.<ref name="note2">Template:Usurped</ref> Used as a greeting and cheer by the Canadian Military Engineers, and more widely in some parts of Southern Ontario and Western Canada, particularly in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Template:Citation needed

Igloo (definition)

from Inuktitut iglu (ᐃᒡᓗ {{#invoke:IPA|main}})<ref name="CED">Foretescue, Michael, Steven Jacobson, and Lawrence Kaplan (1994). Comparative Eskimo Dictionary, with Aleut Cognates. Fairbanks: Alaska Native Language Center</ref>

Ilanaaq (definition)

Inuktitut ilanaaq (ᐃᓚᓈᒃ {{#invoke:IPA|main}}), "friend". Name of the logo for the 2010 Winter Olympics

Inuksuk (definition)

from Inuktitut inuksuk (ᐃᓄᒃᓱᒃ {{#invoke:IPA|main}})<ref name="CED" />

Kayak (definition)

from Inuktitut qajaq (ᖃᔭᖅ {{#invoke:IPA|main}})<ref name="CED" />

Malamute (definition)

from Inupiaq Malimiut, the name of an Inupiaq subgroup<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mukluk (definition)

from Yupik maklak ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}), "bearded seal"<ref name="CED" />

Nanook (definition)

from Inuktitut word for polar bear Nanuq (ᓇᓄᒃ {{#invoke:IPA|main}}),<ref name=livingdict>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> "polar bear", made famous in English due to a 1922 documentary Nanook of the North, featuring a man with this name.

Nunatak (definition)

from Greenlandic Inuit nunataq<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tiktaalik (definition)

from Inuktitut tiktaalik (ᑎᒃᑖᓕᒃ {{#invoke:IPA|main}}), "large freshwater fish"<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Umiaq (definition)

Words from Arawakan languages

Anole (definition)

from an Arawakan language, or possibly Cariban, via French anolis.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Campbell (1997:11)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Barbecue (definition)

from an Arawakan language of Haiti barbakoa, "framework of sticks",<ref>Template:OEtymD</ref> via Spanish barbacoa.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Buccaneer (definition)

from an Arawakan language buccan, "a wooden frame on which Taínos and Caribs slowly roasted or smoked meat", via French boucane.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Cacique or cassique (definition)

from Taíno cacike or Arawak {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} "chieftain"<ref>Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cacique, 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2008</ref>

Caiman (definition)

from a Ta-Maipurean language, "water spirit" (cf. Garifuna {{#invoke:IPA|main}}),<ref>Taylor, Douglas. (1980). "A Note on the Derivation of the Word Cayman." International Journal of American Linguistics 46:47-48</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> though possibly ultimately of African origin.<ref>Template:OEtymD</ref>

Canoe (definition)

from Taíno via Spanish canoa.<ref>Bright (2004:80)</ref>

Cassava (definition)

from Taíno caçabi, "manioc meal", via Spanish or Portuguese.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Cay (definition)

from Taíno, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Guaiac (definition)

from Taíno guayacan via Spanish and Latin.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Guava (definition)

from an Arawakan language, by way of Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Hammock (definition)

from Taíno, via Spanish {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Hurricane (definition)

from Taíno hurakán, via Spanish.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Iguana (definition)

from an Arawakan language iwana.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Macana (definition)

from Taíno macana via Spanish.

Maize (definition)

from Taíno mahís, via Spanish.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mangrove (definition)

from Taíno, via Spanish mangle or Portuguese mangue.<ref>Bright (2004:265)</ref>

Papaya (definition)

from Taíno.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Potato (definition)

from Taíno or Haitian Carib batata 'sweet potato', via Spanish patata.<ref>Bright (2004:395)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Savanna (definition)

from Taíno zabana, via Spanish.<ref>RHD (1987:1707)</ref>

Tobacco (definition)

probably from an Arawakan language, via Template:Langx.<ref name="RHD 1987:1990"/>

Yuca (definition)

from Taíno, via Spanish.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Words from Tupi-Guaraní

Acai (definition)

from Tupi *ɨβasaí, via Brazilian Portuguese assaí, uaçaí, açaí.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Ani (definition)

from Tupi *anúʔí.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Agouti (definition)

from Tupi–Guaraní akutí, via Portuguese aguti through French.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Cashew (definition)

from Tupí acaîu, via Portuguese caju.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Capybara (definition)

from Guaraní kapibári 'the grass eater ' via Portuguese capivara through French.

Catupiry (definition)

from Guaraní katupyry via Brazilian Portuguese.<ref>Ayala, Valentín (2000). Gramática Guaraní. Asunción: Centro Editorial Paraguayo S.R.L.</ref>

Cayenne (definition)

from Tupí kyinha via French.<ref>Bright (2004:84)</ref>

Cougar (definition)

ultimately corrupted from Guaraní guaçu ara.<ref>Bright (2004:124)</ref>

Jaguar (definition)

from Tupinambá via Portuguese jaguar through French {{#invoke:IPA|main}},.<ref name="Jensen">Jensen, Cheryl (1999). "Tupí–Guaraní". In The Amazonian Languages, eds. R. M. W. Dixon and Alexandra Y. Aikhenvald, pp. 125–163. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 126</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Jaguarundi (definition)

from Guaraní via Portuguese.

Maraca (definition)

from Tupí maraka via Portuguese.

Macaw (definition)

via Portuguese Macau from Tupi macavuana, which may be the name of a type of palm tree the fruit of which the birds eat.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Manioc (definition)

from Tupinambá via Portuguese man(d)ioca through French {{#invoke:IPA|main}}.<ref name="Jensen" />

Petunia (definition)

from Tupí petun 'smoke' via Portuguese.

Piranha (definition)

from Tupí pirã́ja, pirã́nʸa, from pirá 'fish' + ã́ja, ã́nʸa 'tooth', via Portuguese.<ref>RHD (1987:1475)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Seriema (definition)

from Tupinambá siriema 'the crested one' via Portuguese

Tapioca (definition)

from Tupinambá {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref name="Jensen" /> 'juice squeezed out', from tipi 'residue, dregs' + og, ok 'to squeeze out',<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> via Portuguese.<ref>Bright (2004:480)</ref>

Tapir (definition)

from Tupinambá via Portuguese tapir through French {{#invoke:IPA|main}}.<ref name="Jensen" />

Tegu (definition)

from Tupinambá teiú-guaçú 'big lizard' via Portuguese teiú

Toucan (definition)

from Tupinambá via Portuguese tucano through French {{#invoke:IPA|main}},<ref name="Jensen" /> via Portuguese and French.<ref>RHD (1987:2001)</ref>

Words from other indigenous languages of the Americas

Abalone (definition)

from Rumsen awlun and Ohlone aluan, via Spanish abulón.<ref>Bright (2004:19)</ref>

Alpaca (definition)

from Aymara allpaka, via Spanish.<ref>Template:OEtymD</ref>

Appaloosa (definition)

Either named for the Palouse River, whose name comes from Sahaptin palú:s, "what is standing up in the water"; or for Opelousas, Louisiana, which may come from Choctaw api losa, "black body".<ref>Bright (2004:45)</ref>

Barracuda (definition)

from Spanish, perhaps originally from Carib.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Bayou (definition)

from early Choctaw bayuk, "creek, river", via French.<ref>Bright (2004:61)</ref>

Camas (definition)

from Nez Perce {{#invoke:IPA|main}}.<ref>Alan H. Hartley. The Inland Etymology of Camas Template:Webarchive</ref>

Cannibal (definition)

via Spanish Caníbalis, from a Cariban language, meaning "person, Indian",<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (Proto-Cariban *karípona),<ref>Campbell (1997:404-405)</ref> based on the Spaniards' belief that the Caribs ate human flesh.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Catalpa (definition)

from Creek katałpa "head-wing", with (i)ká, "head" + (i)táłpa, "wing".<ref>Bright (2004:83)</ref>

Cenote (definition)

from Yucatec Maya dzonot or ts'onot<ref>or tz'onot in some secondary sources, such as Sharer & Traxler 2006: 52.</ref> meaning "well".<ref>Template:Cite video

</ref>

Cheechako (definition)

from Chinook Jargon {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} + chako, "new come". Chee comes from Lower Chinook čxi, "straightaway", and for chako cf. Nuuchahnulth čokwaa, "come!"<ref>Bright (2004:91)</ref>

Chicha

via Spanish from Guna chichab, "maize" or from Nahuatl {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, "fermented water."

Chinook (definition)

from Lower Chehalis {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, the name of a village,<ref>Campbell (1997:397)</ref><ref>Mithun, Marianne (1999). The Languages of Native North America. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pg. 382</ref> via Chinook Trade Jargon.

Chuckwalla (definition)

from Cahuilla čáxwal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Coho (definition)

from Halkomelem k̉ʷə́xʷəθ ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}).<ref name="AHd" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Coho salmon Template:Webarchive</ref>

Coontie (definition)

from Creek conti hetaka.

Coypu (definition)

from Mapudungun coipu, via American Spanish coipú.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Degu (definition)

from Mapudungun deuñ, via Spanish.

Divi-divi (definition)

from Cumanagoto.

Dory (definition)

from Miskito dóri, dúri.

Eulachon (definition)

from a Cree adaptation of Chinook Trade Jargon ulâkân,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> itself a borrowing of Clatsap u-tlalxwə(n), "brook trout".<ref>Bright (2004:172)</ref>

Gaucho (definition)

via Spanish, probably from a South American indigenous language, cf. Araucanian cauchu 'wanderer'.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Geoduck (definition)

from Lushootseed (Nisqually) gʷídəq.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Guan (definition)

from Guna kwama.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

High muckamuck (definition)

from Chinook Jargon {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, "eat, food, drink", of unknown origin.<ref>Bright (2004:300)</ref>

Hogan (definition)

from Navajo hooghan.<ref>Bright (2004:169)</ref>

Hooch (definition)

a shortening of "Hoochinoo", the name of a Tlingit village, from Tlingit xutsnuuwú, "brown bear fort".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kachina (definition)

from Hopi katsína, "spirit being".<ref>Bright (2004:194)</ref>

Jojoba (definition)

via Spanish, from some Uto-Aztecan language, cf. O'odham hohowai and Yaqui hohoovam.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kiva (definition)

from Hopi kíva (containing ki-, "house").<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kokanee (definition)

perhaps from Twana kəknǽxw.<ref>Bright (2004:232)</ref>

Manatee (definition)

via Spanish manatí, from a word in a Cariban language meaning "(woman's) breast".<ref>Simpson, George Gaylord (1941). "Vernacular Names of South American Mammals". Journal of Mammalogy 22.1:14</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:OEtymD</ref>

Ohunka

from Lakota "false", "untrue".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Peccary (definition)

from Galilbi Carib pakira.

Piki (definition)

from Hopi.

Pogonip (definition)

from Shoshone {{#invoke:IPA|main}} ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}), "fog".<ref>Bright (2004:389)</ref>

Poncho (definition)

from Mapudungun pontho "woolen fabric", via Spanish.<ref>Template:OEtymD</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Potlatch (definition)

from Nuuchahnulth (Nootka) p̉aƛp̉ač ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}, reduplication of p̉a, "to make ceremonial gifts in potlatch", with the iterative suffix -č) via Chinook Jargon.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Salal (definition)

from Chinook Trade Jargon {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, from Lower Chinook salál.<ref>Bright (2004:416)</ref>

Saguaro (definition)

via Spanish, from some indigenous language, possibly Opata.<ref>RHD (1987:1691)</ref>

Sasquatch (definition)

From Halkomelem {{#invoke:IPA|main}}.<ref>Bright (2004:422)</ref>

Sego (definition)

from Ute-Southern Paiute {{#invoke:IPA|main}} ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}).<ref>Bright (2004:429)</ref>

Sequoia (definition)

from a Cherokee personal name, <Sikwayi>, with no further known etymology.<ref>Bright (2004:432)</ref>

Sockeye (definition)

from Halkomelem {{#invoke:IPA|main}}.<ref>Bright (2004:455)</ref>

Skookum (definition)

from Chinook Jargon {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, "powerful, supernaturally dangerous", from Lower Chehalis skʷəkʷə́m, "devil, anything evil, spirit monster".<ref>Bright (2004:452)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tamarin (definition)

from a Cariban language, via French.<ref>RHD (1987:1939)</ref>

Tipi (definition)

from Lakota thípi, "house".<ref name="Bright 2004:489"/>

Tupelo (definition)

Perhaps from Creek ’topilwa, "swamp-tree", from íto, "tree" + opílwa, "swamp".<ref>RHD (1987:2036)</ref>

Wapatoo (definition)

from Chinook Jargon {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, "arrowroot, wild potato", from Upper Chinook {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, a noun prefix + {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, which comes from Kalapuyan {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, "wild potato".<ref>Bright (2004:547)</ref>

Wakinyan (definition)

from Lakota wa, "people/things" + kiŋyaŋ, "to fly".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Yaupon (definition)

from Catawba yąpą, from yą, "wood/tree" + pą, "leaf".<ref>RHD (1987:2200)</ref>

See also

• List of placenames of indigenous origin in the Americas
• List of place names in Canada of Aboriginal origin
• List of place names in New England of aboriginal origin
• List of Spanish words of Indigenous American Indian origin
• List of Spanish words of Nahuatl origin

Bibliography

• Bright, William (2004). Native American Place Names of the United States. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press
• Campbell, Lyle (1997). American Indian Languages: The Historical Linguistics of Native America. Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Flexner, Stuart Berg and Leonore Crary Hauck, eds. (1987). The Random House Dictionary of the English Language [RHD], 2nd ed. (unabridged). New York: Random House.
• Siebert, Frank T. (1975). "Resurrecting Virginia Algonquian from the Dead: The Reconstituted and Historical Phonology of Powhatan". In Studies in Southeastern Indian Languages, ed. James M. Crawford, pp. 285–453. Athens: University of Georgia Press

External links

• Words in English from Amerindian Languages
• Online Etymology Dictionary
• Dictionary.com
• Free Dictionary Translation

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