noun
Uncommon
Inca
IHNG-kuh
Inca (noun) means a member of the South American people who built a major empire in the Andes before the Spanish conquest. Example: “The Inca built an extensive network of roads across the Andes.”
noun
1
A member of the South American people who built a major empire in the Andes before the Spanish conquest.
"The Inca built an extensive network of roads across the Andes."
How to use Inca
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to the historical Andean civilization and its people, centered in Peru.
Common pairings
Inca empire
Inca ruins
the ancient Inca
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Inca.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- Incas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ built an extensive network of roads across the Andes.
Etymology
From Spanish inca, from Quechua inka, meaning "emperor" or "ruler."
Synonyms
View more →
Inka
Incan
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “Inca” mean?
The word “Inca” means a member of the South American people who built a major empire in the Andes before the Spanish conquest. In plain terms, refers to the historical Andean civilization and its people, centered in Peru.
How do you pronounce “Inca”?
“Inca” is pronounced IHNG-kuh (/ˈɪŋkə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Inca” in a sentence?
Here is “Inca” used in a sentence: “The Inca built an extensive network of roads across the Andes.”
What part of speech is “Inca”?
“Inca” is a noun.
Where does the word “Inca” come from?
The word “Inca” comes from Spanish. From Spanish inca, from Quechua inka, meaning "emperor" or "ruler.".
Is “Inca” a common word?
“Inca” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Inca:
