noun Uncommon

Inuit

IHN-yoo-iht

Inuit (noun) means a member of an Indigenous people of Arctic Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. Example: “The Inuit have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years.”

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noun

A member of an Indigenous people of Arctic Canada, Alaska, and Greenland.

"The Inuit have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years."

adj

Relating to the Inuit people, their language, or their culture.

"The museum displayed traditional Inuit clothing and tools."

How to use Inuit

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe preferred term for the Indigenous Arctic peoples once commonly (and now less appropriately) called "Eskimo."

When to use it

The preferred and respectful term today; avoid "Eskimo" outside historical or Alaskan-specific contexts.

Easily confused with

Eskimo →

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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

more Inuit comparative, Inuit plural, Inuits plural, most Inuit superlative

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Fill the gap

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The _____ have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years.

Etymology

From Inuktitut ᐃᓄᐃᑦ (inuit), meaning "the people," singular ᐃᓄᒃ (inuk, "person").

Rhymes for Inuit

quit suit fruit Jesuit circuit recruit lawsuit pursuit biscuit conduit swimsuit jumpsuit

See all rhymes for Inuit →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Inuit” mean?

The word “Inuit” means a member of an Indigenous people of Arctic Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. In plain terms, the preferred term for the Indigenous Arctic peoples once commonly (and now less appropriately) called "Eskimo.".

How do you pronounce “Inuit”?

“Inuit” is pronounced IHN-yoo-iht (/ˈɪnjuːɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “Inuit” in a sentence?

Here is “Inuit” used in a sentence: “The Inuit have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years.”

What part of speech is “Inuit”?

Depending on how it is used, “Inuit” can be a noun and an adjective.

Is “Inuit” a common word?

“Inuit” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Inuit” have?

“Inuit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of an Indigenous people of Arctic Canada, Alaska, and Greenland.