adj Uncommon

Aztec

AZ-tehk

Aztec (adj) means relating to the Aztecs, the Nahuatl-speaking people who built a powerful empire in central Mexico before the Spanish conquest, or to their language and culture. Example: “The museum's Aztec exhibit featured intricate stone carvings and gold jewelry.”

adj

Relating to the Aztecs, the Nahuatl-speaking people who built a powerful empire in central Mexico before the Spanish conquest, or to their language and culture.

"The museum's Aztec exhibit featured intricate stone carvings and gold jewelry."

"Aztec temples were often built as stepped pyramids."

noun

A member of the Aztec people, or their language.

"Historians still debate how the Aztecs organized their empire."

In American football, a hybrid defensive position that blends the roles of safety, nickelback, and linebacker.

"The defense lined up in an Aztec package to cover the tight end."

How to use Aztec

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to the Aztec civilization of pre-colonial Mexico, or (in football slang) a specific defensive role.

Common pairings

the Aztec empire Aztec ruins Aztec mythology

Word forms

more Aztec comparative, Aztecs plural, Aztec plural, most Aztec superlative

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The museum's _____ exhibit featured intricate stone carvings and gold jewelry.

Etymology

From Spanish azteca, from Classical Nahuatl aztecatl, meaning "person from Aztlán," the legendary homeland of the Aztec people.

Origin: Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What does “Aztec” mean?

The word “Aztec” means relating to the Aztecs, the Nahuatl-speaking people who built a powerful empire in central Mexico before the Spanish conquest, or to their language and culture. In plain terms, relating to the Aztec civilization of pre-colonial Mexico, or (in football slang) a specific defensive role.

How do you pronounce “Aztec”?

“Aztec” is pronounced AZ-tehk (/ˈæz.tɛk/ in IPA).

How do you use “Aztec” in a sentence?

Here is “Aztec” used in a sentence: “The museum's Aztec exhibit featured intricate stone carvings and gold jewelry.”

What part of speech is “Aztec”?

Depending on how it is used, “Aztec” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “Aztec” come from?

The word “Aztec” comes from Spanish. From Spanish azteca, from Classical Nahuatl aztecatl, meaning "person from Aztlán," the legendary homeland of the Aztec people.

Is “Aztec” a common word?

“Aztec” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Aztec” have?

“Aztec” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the Aztecs, the Nahuatl-speaking people who built a powerful empire in central Mexico before the Spanish conquest, or to their language and culture.

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Vocabulary lists that include Aztec:

Words with Spanish origins Words that end with C