noun

Eskimo

EHS-kih-moh

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Eskimo (noun) means a member of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions of Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, including the Inuit and Yupik. Example: “The museum exhibit featured traditional Eskimo clothing and tools.”

noun

A member of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions of Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, including the Inuit and Yupik.

"The museum exhibit featured traditional Eskimo clothing and tools."

How to use Eskimo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA general term for Arctic indigenous peoples including the Inuit and Yupik.

When to use it

Many people today prefer more specific terms such as "Inuit" or "Yupik," or the name of the particular group, since "Eskimo" is considered outdated or offensive by some, especially in Canada and Greenland.

Easily confused with

Inuit →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Eskimos, Eskimoes
Comparative: more Eskimo
Superlative: most Eskimo

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum exhibit featured traditional _____ clothing and tools.

Etymology

Recorded in English since the 16th century, borrowed via French from an Algonquian-language source, long thought to mean "eater of raw meat" though most linguists now trace it to a word meaning "snowshoe-netter."

Origin: French · First attested 1500

Class of 1500 Eskimo joined the language around 1500.

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Synonyms

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Esquimau Inuit

Related words

Inuit

Rhymes for Eskimo

IMO Simo primo geronimo generalissimo

See all rhymes for Eskimo →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Eskimo” mean?

The word “Eskimo” means a member of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions of Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, including the Inuit and Yupik. In plain terms, a general term for Arctic indigenous peoples including the Inuit and Yupik.

How do you pronounce “Eskimo”?

“Eskimo” is pronounced EHS-kih-moh (/ˈɛs.kɪ.moʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Eskimo” in a sentence?

Here is “Eskimo” used in a sentence: “The museum exhibit featured traditional Eskimo clothing and tools.”

What part of speech is “Eskimo”?

“Eskimo” is a noun.

Where does the word “Eskimo” come from?

The word “Eskimo” dates back to around 1500 and comes from French. Recorded in English since the 16th century, borrowed via French from an Algonquian-language source, long thought to mean "eater of raw meat" though most linguists now trace it to a word meaning "snowshoe-netter.".

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