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
Derived 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.
Performers in the historic stadium wore indigenous clothing, while others were dressed in all gold and held giant golden footballs above their heads.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
The indigenous names Judea and Samaria recognize the places’ connection to history.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
Under the banner of “sovereign AI,” governments across the globe are purchasing their own AI data centers and funding the creation of AI models that reflect their indigenous culture.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
The Nisga’a Nation, a local indigenous community, is also a co-owner.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
As I drift off, I hear that indigenous music and try to make it stop, but it scoops me up like the winds of the Andes and makes me fly.
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.
