Advertisement
Advertisement
Aborigine
[ ab-uh-rij-uh-nee ]
noun
- Sometimes Offensive. one of the original or earliest known inhabitants of a region, or one of their descendants:
the Aborigines of Canada and Greenland.
- aborigines, the original, native fauna or flora of a region.
aborigine
1/ ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnɪ /
noun
- an original inhabitant of a country or region who has been there from the earliest known times
Aborigine
2/ ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnɪ /
noun
- Also calledAboriginal a member of the indigenous people who were living in Australia when European settlers arrived
- See Australianany of the languages of this people See also Australian
Discover More
Usage Note
Aborigine, the noun specifically meaning “an Indigenous inhabitant of Australia,” is an outdated and often offensive term: Don't say the Aborigines of Melbourne and Sydney. Instead, use the related adjective Aboriginal, which is preferred and acceptable, and say, the Aboriginal Australians of Melbourne and Sydney. Similarly, the noun use of Aboriginal with specific reference to Australia is also often offensive, as in Australian Aboriginals. Again, you can use the adjectival form: Aboriginal Australians.
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of Aborigine1
First recorded in 1540–50; by back formation from aborigines, from Latin Aborīginēs “the pre-Roman inhabitants of Italy,” probably alteration of an earlier ethnonym by association with ab origine
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of Aborigine1
C16: back formation from aborigines, from Latin: inhabitants of Latium in pre-Roman times, probably representing some tribal name but associated in folk etymology with ab origine from the beginning
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[pet-ri-kawr]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse