Arawak

[ ar-uh-wahk, -wak ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural Arawaks, (especially collectively) Arawak

a member of an Indian people once widespread in the Antilles but now living primarily in coastal northeastern South America.
any of the related Arawakan languages spoken by the Arawak.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Arawak¹

First recorded in 1835–40; a self-designation of the Arawak people

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Some contemporary Indigenous groups, including the Arawaks and Piaroa, descend from these ancient societies.

From

Columbus used his foreknowledge of a lunar eclipse to force the Arawak residents of present-day Jamaica to heel in fear.

From

I visited in October during Creole Heritage Month, when St. Lucia’s melting pot of Arawak, Carib, African, French and Indian-influenced culture is on full display.

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The term hurricane derives from hurakan, an Arawak word for a storm god.

From

When the mood did indeed take on a "bloody" appearance, the Arawaks promised to resume supplying food to Columbus and his men if he appeased his god.

From

araucaria Arawakan

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