noun
aborigine
ab-uh-RIJ-uh-nee/ˌæbəˈrɪdʒəni/
An original Indigenous inhabitant of a region; often outdated or offensive.
The old document uses aborigine, a term many readers now find offensive.
Etymology
Latin Aborigines meant “first inhabitants,” later extended to Indigenous peoples, especially Australians. The name may mean “from the beginning,” but could instead be a tribal name associated with that phrase.
More examples
- The museum replaced aborigine with the community's own name.
- The quotation contains the outdated plural aborigines.
- She explains why aborigine is unsuitable in the revised text.
Forms
aborigine · aborigines
Similar words
- Indigenous person
- Generally preferable, with a specific community name best when known.
- native
- Broader and context-sensitive; can also describe birthplace or species.