noun

Anasazi

ah-nuh-SAH-zee

Anasazi (noun) means an older term for the Ancestral Puebloans, the Indigenous people who built the cliff dwellings of the American Southwest. Example: “The canyon’s cliff dwellings were built by the people once called the Anasazi.”

noun

An older term for the Ancestral Puebloans, the Indigenous people who built the cliff dwellings of the American Southwest.

"The canyon’s cliff dwellings were built by the people once called the Anasazi."

How to Use Anasazi

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn older, now less-preferred name for the Ancestral Puebloan people.

Common mistake

"Ancestral Puebloan" is now generally preferred, since "Anasazi" comes from an outside (Navajo) term rather than the people’s own name.

Word Forms

Anasazis plural, Anasazi plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “Anasazi” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The canyon’s cliff dwellings were built by the people once called the _____.

Etymology

From Navajo anaasazi, roughly "ancient enemy" — a name given by a neighbouring people rather than the group’s own name for itself.

Rhymes for Anasazi

Nazi Benghazi

See all rhymes for Anasazi →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Anasazi” mean?

The word “Anasazi” means an older term for the Ancestral Puebloans, the Indigenous people who built the cliff dwellings of the American Southwest. In plain terms, an older, now less-preferred name for the Ancestral Puebloan people.

How do you pronounce “Anasazi”?

“Anasazi” is pronounced ah-nuh-SAH-zee (/ˌæ.nəˈsɑ.zi/ in IPA).

How do you use “Anasazi” in a sentence?

Here is “Anasazi” used in a sentence: “The canyon’s cliff dwellings were built by the people once called the Anasazi.”

What part of speech is “Anasazi”?

“Anasazi” is a noun.