adj
Common
indigenous
ihn-DIHD-zhih-nuhs
Indigenous (adj) means originating naturally in a particular place; native, especially before colonization or outside influence. Example: “Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia and cannot be found wild in Europe.”
adj
1
Originating naturally in a particular place; native, especially before colonization or outside influence.
"The Aboriginals were indigenous to Victoria before the World War."
"Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia and cannot be found wild in Europe."
"The plant is indigenous to the rainforests of Brazil."
"The government apologized to the indigenous communities for past injustices."
How to use indigenous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNaturally originating from a specific place, rather than brought in from elsewhere.
Common mistake
Despite the similar sound, "indigenous" is not related to "Indian" — the resemblance is coincidental.
Common pairings
indigenous peoples
indigenous species
indigenous to the region
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Kangaroos are _____ to Australia and cannot be found wild in Europe.
Etymology
From Late Latin indigenus, "native, born in a country," from an old root meaning "born within."
Synonyms
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native-born
endemic
original
home-grown
autochthonic
autochthonal
aboriginal
autochthonous
local
natural
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for indigenous
See all rhymes for indigenous →Frequently asked questions
What does “indigenous” mean?
The word “indigenous” means originating naturally in a particular place; native, especially before colonization or outside influence. In plain terms, naturally originating from a specific place, rather than brought in from elsewhere.
How do you pronounce “indigenous”?
“Indigenous” is pronounced ihn-DIHD-zhih-nuhs (/ɪnˈdɪd͡ʒənəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “indigenous” in a sentence?
Here is “indigenous” used in a sentence: “The plant is indigenous to the rainforests of Brazil.”
What is another word for “indigenous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “indigenous” include aboriginal, autochthonous, local and natural.
What part of speech is “indigenous”?
“Indigenous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “indigenous” come from?
The word “indigenous” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin indigenus, "native, born in a country," from an old root meaning "born within.".
Is “indigenous” a common word?
“Indigenous” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "indigenous" and "native"?
Both mean originating naturally in a particular place, and they overlap closely. "Indigenous" is often used in a more formal or scientific way, and for peoples it specifically refers to the original inhabitants of a place before colonisation or outside influence.
When should "Indigenous" be capitalised?
When referring to plants or animals native to a region, "indigenous" is written in lowercase. When referring to Indigenous peoples as a group, many style guides now capitalise it as a mark of respect, as in "Indigenous communities."
What is the difference between "indigenous" and "foreign"?
"Indigenous" describes something that originates naturally in a place, while "foreign" describes something that comes from elsewhere. A plant indigenous to a region grew there naturally, whereas a foreign one was brought in from another country.
Can "indigenous" describe plants and animals as well as people?
Yes. "Indigenous" applies to any living thing that originates naturally in a particular place, such as a plant or animal native to a region. It is not limited to people, though it is very common in that context.
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