name
Common
Dakota
duh-KOH-tuh
Dakota (name) means a Native American people, part of the Sioux, and the Siouan language they speak. Example: “The reservation preserves Dakota language and traditions.”
name
1
A Native American people, part of the Sioux, and the Siouan language they speak.
"The reservation preserves Dakota language and traditions."
2
Either of the two U.S. states, North Dakota or South Dakota, or informally both together.
"They drove across the Dakotas on their way to Yellowstone."
How to use Dakota
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to the Dakota Native American people and language, or to the states named after them.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Dakotas
Fill the gap
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The reservation preserves _____ language and traditions.
Etymology
Borrowed from the Dakota people's own word dakhóta, meaning "friend" or "ally."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Dakota
See all rhymes for Dakota →Frequently asked questions
What does “Dakota” mean?
The word “Dakota” means a Native American people, part of the Sioux, and the Siouan language they speak. In plain terms, refers to the Dakota Native American people and language, or to the states named after them.
How do you pronounce “Dakota”?
“Dakota” is pronounced duh-KOH-tuh (/dəˈkəʊtə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Dakota” in a sentence?
Here is “Dakota” used in a sentence: “The reservation preserves Dakota language and traditions.”
What part of speech is “Dakota”?
“Dakota” is a name.
Is “Dakota” a common word?
“Dakota” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Dakota” have?
“Dakota” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Native American people, part of the Sioux, and the Siouan language they speak.
What is the difference between Dakota and Lakota?
Dakota and Lakota are both divisions of the Sioux people, distinguished mainly by dialect of the same Siouan language and by historical territory. Dakota speakers traditionally lived further east, while Lakota speakers lived further west on the Great Plains.
What do people mean by "the Dakotas"?
The Dakotas is an informal way of referring to the two U.S. states of North Dakota and South Dakota together. It is common in contexts such as weather reports and travel writing, where the two states are treated as a single region.
Is Dakota a language?
Yes. Dakota is a Siouan language spoken by the Dakota people, who form part of the Sioux. The same word names both the people and their language, so context tells you which is meant.
Are the Dakota part of the Sioux?
Yes. The Dakota are a Native American people who form part of the larger Sioux nation, alongside related divisions such as the Lakota. The U.S. states of North Dakota and South Dakota take their name from this people.
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