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English

Algonquian

|Al-gon-qui-an|

C1

/ælˈɡɒŋkiən/

Native American tribe and language family

Etymology
Etymology Information

'Algonquian' originates from the Maliseet word 'elakómkwik,' meaning 'they are our relatives or allies.'

Historical Evolution

'Elakómkwik' was adapted into French as 'Algonquin,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Algonquian.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to a specific tribe, but over time it evolved to encompass a broader group of related tribes and their languages.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a member of a group of North American Indian peoples of the Ottawa River valley and adjacent regions.

The Algonquian tribes were known for their rich oral traditions.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the family of languages spoken by the Algonquian peoples.

The Algonquian language family includes many dialects.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/08 19:38