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. and , "great river," referring to the Mississippi River)Nichols, John, and Earl Nyholm. 1995. A Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press and Michigan (cf. , , "great sea," referring to Lake Michigan). 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 ),Campbell (1997:399) Sioux (ultimately from ), Assiniboine () and Chipewyan ().Campbell (1997:395)
Apishamore (definition) From a word in an Algonquian language meaning "something to lie down upon" (cf. Ojibwe ). Atamasco lily (definition) Earlier "attamusca", from Powhatan.RHD (1987:129) Babiche (definition) From Míkmaq ápapíj (from ápapi, "cord, thread", Proto-Algonquian *aʔrapa·pyi, from *aʔrapy-, "net" + *-a·by-, "string". Caribou (definition) From Míkmaq qalipu, "snow-shoveler" (from qalipi, "shovel snow", Proto-Algonquian *maka·ripi-).RHD (1987:315-16) Caucus (definition) The etymology is disputed: two possible sources are an Algonquian word for "counsel", 'cau´-cau-as´u'; or the Algonquian , meaning an advisor, talker, or orator.Wilson, James (1999). The Earth Shall Weep. New York City, NY: Atlantic Monthly Press. pp. 104–105. . Chinkapin (definition) From Powhatan chechinquamins,RHD (1987:361) reconstituted as , the plural form.Siebert (1975:323) Chipmunk (definition) Originally "chitmunk," from Odawa jidmoonhRhodes, Richard A. 1985. Eastern Ojibwa–Chippewa–Ottawa Dictionary. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter (cf. Ojibwe ajidamoo(nh)), "American red squirrel". Cisco (definition) Originally "siscowet," from Ojibwe language bemidewiskaawed "greasy-bodied [fish]". Cockarouse (definition) From Powhatan, meaning a leader in certain Native American groups. Eskimo (definition) From Old Montagnais aiachkimeou (; 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.Campbell (1997:394)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 Hickory (definition) From Powhatan <pocohiquara>, "milky drink made with hickory nuts".RHD (1987:900) Hominy (definition) From Powhatan <uskatahomen>/<usketchaumun>, literally "that which is treated", in this case "that which is ground/beaten".RHD (1987:915) Husky (definition) Ultimately from a variant form of the word "Eskimo" (see above). Kinkajou (definition) From an Algonquian word meaning "wolverine" (cf. Algonquin kwingwaage, Ojibwe gwiingwa'aage), through French . Kinnikinnick (definition) From Unami Delaware , "mixture" (cf. Ojibwe "to mix something animate with something inanimate"), from Proto-Algonquian *kereken-, "mix (it) with something different by hand".RHD (1987:1058) Mackinaw (definition) From , from Menomini mishilimaqkināhkw, "be large like a snapping turtle", or from Ojibwe mishi-makinaak, "large snapping turtle" with French , "island". Moccasin (definition) From an Algonquian language, perhaps Powhatan <mockasin>,Bright (2004:291) reconstituted as Siebert (1975:381)(cf. Ojibwe makizin, Míkmaq mɨkusun, from Proto-Algonquian *maxkeseni).RHD (1987:1235) Moose (definition) From Eastern Abenaki moz, reinforced by cognates from other Algonquian languagesBright (2004:297)RHD (1987:1247) (e.g. Massachusett/Narragansett moos, Ojibwe moo(n)z, Lenape mus 'elk'), from Proto-Algonquian *mo·swa. Mugwump (definition) From "mugquomp", a shortening of Massachusett <muggumquomp>, "war chief" (Proto-Algonquian *memekwa·pe·wa, from *memekw-, "swift" + *-a·pe·, "man").RHD (1987:1261) Mummichog (definition) From Narragansett moamitteaug, which means “going in crowds.” Muskellunge (definition) Ultimately from Ojibwe , "ugly pike" (cf. ginoozhe, "pike"). Muskeg (definition) From Cree , "swamp"Bright (2004:304) (Proto-Algonquian *maškye·kwi).RHD (1987:1268) 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). Opossum (definition) From Powhatan <apasum>/<opussum>/<aposoum>, "white dog-like animal",RHD (1987:1359) reconstituted as Siebert (1975:363) (cf. Proto-Algonquian , "white dog"). Papoose (definition) From Narragansett <papoòs>American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language or Massachusett <pappouse>, "baby".RHD (1987:1405) Pecan (definition) From Illinois pakani (cf. Ojibwe bagaan), "nut", from Proto-Algonquian *paka·ni.RHD (1987:1427) Pemmican (definition) From Cree pimihkān, from pimihkēw, "to make grease" (Proto-Algonquian *pemihke·wa, from *pemy-, "grease" + -ehke·, "to make").RHD (1987:1432) Persimmon (definition) From Powhatan <pessemins>/<pushemins>, reconstituted as .Siebert (1975:367) While the final element reflects Proto-Algonquian *-min, "fruit, berry", the initial is unknown.RHD (1987:1445) Pipsissewa (definition) From Abenaki kpipskwáhsawe, "flower of the woods".RHD (1987:1474) Pokeweed (definition) Probably from "puccoon" (see below) + "weed". Pone (definition) From Powhatan <poan>/<appoans>, "something roasted" (reconstituted as )Siebert (1975:320) (cf. Ojibwe abwaan), from Proto-Algonquian *apwa·n.RHD (1987:1503) Powwow (definition) From Narragansett powwaw, "shaman" (Proto-Algonquian *pawe·wa, "to dream, to have a vision").Bright (2004:397) Puccoon (definition) From Powhatan <poughkone>, reconstituted as Siebert (1975:369) (cf. Unami Delaware , 'red dye; the plant from which dye is made').RHD (1987:1563) 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. Punkie (definition) Via Dutch, from Munsee (Proto-Algonquian *penkwehsa, from *penkw-, "dust, ashes" + *-ehs, a diminutive suffix).RHD (1987:1568) Quahog (definition) From Narragansett <poquaûhock>.RHD (1987:1578) Quonset hut (definition) From an Algonquian language of southern New England, possibly meaning "small long place" (with <qunni->, "long" + <-s->, diminutive + <-et>, locative).Bright (2004:406) Raccoon (definition) From Powhatan <arahkun>/<aroughcun>,RHD (1987:1590) tentatively reconstituted as .Siebert (1975:370) Sachem (definition) From an Algonquian language of southern New England,RHD (1987:1688) cf. Narragansett <sâchim> (Proto-Eastern Algonquian *sākimāw, "chief").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 Sagamore (definition) From Eastern Abenaki sakəma (cf. Narragansett <sâchim>), "chief", from Proto-Eastern Algonquian *sākimāw. Scup (definition) Shortened from scuppaug, which is from Narragansett mishcùppaûog. Shoepac (definition) From Unami Delaware "shoes" (singular ), altered on analogy with English "shoe".RHD (1987:1768) Skunk (definition) From Massachusett <squnck> (Proto-Algonquian *šeka·kwa, from *šek-, "to urinate" + *-a·kw, "fox").Bright (2004:452-453) Squash (fruit) (definition) From Narragansett <askútasquash>.RHD (1987:1850) Squaw (definition) From Massachusett <squa> (cf. Cree iskwē, Ojibwe ikwe), "woman", from Proto-Algonquian *eθkwe·wa. 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").RHD (1987:1899) Tabagie (definition) From Algonquin . Tautog (definition) From Narragansett tautaũog. Terrapin (definition) Originally "torope," from an Eastern Algonquian language, perhaps Powhatan (reconstituted as )Siebert (1975:394) (cf. Munsee Delaware ),Bright (2004:489) from Proto-Eastern Algonquian *tōrəpēw.RHD (1987:1960) Toboggan (definition) From Míkmaq topaqanRHD (1987:1990) or Maliseet-Passamaquoddy Bright (2004:499) (Proto-Algonquian *weta·pye·kani, from *wet-, "to drag" + *-a·pye·-, "cordlike object" + *-kan, "instrument for"). Tomahawk (definition) From Powhatan <tamahaac> (Proto-Algonquian *temaha·kani, from *temah-, "to cut" + *-a·kan, "instrument for").RHD (1987:1993) Totem (definition) From Ojibwe nindoodem, "my totem" or odoodeman, "his totem," referring to a kin group. Tuckahoe (definition) From Powhatan <tockawhoughe>/<tockwhough>/<taccaho>, "root used for bread", reconstituted as Siebert (1975:397) (perhaps from Proto-Algonquian *takwah-, "pound (it)/reduce (it) to flour").RHD (1987:2033) Tullibee (definition) From Old Ojibwe RHD (1987:2034) (modern odoonibii). Wampum (definition) Earlier "wampumpeag", from Massachusett, and meaning "white strings [of beads]" (cf. Maliseet: wapapiyik,Francis & Leavitt. 2008. A Passamaquoddy–Maliseet Dictionary. Orono: University of Maine Press. Page 588. Eastern Abenaki wápapəyak, Ojibwe waabaabiinyag), from Proto-Algonquian *wa·p-, "white" + *-a·py-, "string-like object" + *-aki, plural.RHD (1987:2140) Wanigan (definition) From Ojibwa , "storage pit".Wanigan American Heritage Dictionary of English Language, Fourth Edition, 2000 Wapiti (elk) (definition) From Shawnee waapiti, "white rump" (cf. Ojibwe waabidiy), from Proto-Algonquian *wa·petwiya, from *wa·p-, "white" + *-etwiy, "rump".RHD (1987:2141) Wickiup (definition) From Fox wiikiyaapi, from the same Proto-Algonquian etymon as "wigwam" (see below).RHD (1987:2172) Wigwam (definition) From Eastern Abenaki wìkəwam (cf. Ojibwe wiigiwaam), from Proto-Algonquian *wi·kiwa·Hmi.RHD (1987:2173) Woodchuck (definition) Reshaped on analogy with "wood" and "chuck", from an Algonquian language of southern New England (cf. Narragansett <ockqutchaun>, "woodchuck").RHD (1987:2186)
Words from Nahuatl
Unless otherwise specified, 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" (, , or , or the Spanish adaptation ), which marked unpossessed nouns.
Achiote (definition) from Atlatl (definition) from Atole (definition) from Avocado (definition) from , 'avocado' or 'testicle' , via Spanish aguacate and later avocado (influenced by early Spanish abogado 'lawyer')