adj Uncommon

endemic

ehn-DEHM-ihk

Endemic (adj) means Native to, or regularly found only in, a particular place. Example: “The kiwi is a bird endemic to New Zealand.”

adj

Native to, or regularly found only in, a particular place.

"The kiwi is a bird endemic to New Zealand."

"This wildflower is endemic to the alpine regions of the Rockies."

Regularly occurring within a particular community or region, such as a disease that never fully disappears.

"Malaria remains endemic in parts of sub-Saharan Africa."

"Corruption was endemic in the old regime."

How to use endemic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that belongs naturally to, or is constantly present in, one specific place or group.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "epidemic" (a sudden outbreak) or "pandemic" (a global outbreak) — endemic means a steady, ongoing presence in one area, not a sudden spike.

Easily confused with

epidemic → pandemic →

Common pairings

endemic species endemic disease endemic to a region

Word forms

endemics plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The kiwi is a bird _____ to New Zealand.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek en- ("in") plus dēmos ("people"), via French endémique — literally "among the people."

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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endemical

Antonyms

alien introduced systemic

Related words

foreign introduced transfer strange unknown widespread alien stranger

Rhymes for endemic

anemic epidemic academic pandemic systemic

See all rhymes for endemic →

Frequently asked questions

What does “endemic” mean?

The word “endemic” means native to, or regularly found only in, a particular place. In plain terms, something that belongs naturally to, or is constantly present in, one specific place or group.

How do you pronounce “endemic”?

“Endemic” is pronounced ehn-DEHM-ihk (/ɛnˈdɛm.ɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “endemic” in a sentence?

Here is “endemic” used in a sentence: “The kiwi is a bird endemic to New Zealand.”

What is the opposite of “endemic”?

The opposite of “endemic” — its antonyms — are alien, introduced and systemic.

What part of speech is “endemic”?

“Endemic” is an adjective.

Where does the word “endemic” come from?

The word “endemic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek en- ("in") plus dēmos ("people"), via French endémique — literally "among the people.".

Is “endemic” a common word?

“Endemic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “endemic” have?

“Endemic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: native to, or regularly found only in, a particular place.

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foreign introduced transfer strange unknown widespread alien stranger