noun
Common
Iowa
EYE-uh-wuh
Iowa (noun) means a Native American people originally from the region that is now the U.S. state of Iowa, or a member of this people. Example: “The Iowa people historically lived along the Missouri and Mississippi river valleys.”
noun
1
A Native American people originally from the region that is now the U.S. state of Iowa, or a member of this people.
"The Iowa people historically lived along the Missouri and Mississippi river valleys."
How to use Iowa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to a Native American people, distinct from the more common use of "Iowa" as the name of a U.S. state.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Iowas
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The _____ people historically lived along the Missouri and Mississippi river valleys.
Etymology
From French Aiouez, an early spelling of the tribal name, itself borrowed from a Dakota word meaning roughly "the sleepy ones."
Synonyms
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ioway
Rhymes for Iowa
See all rhymes for Iowa →Frequently asked questions
What does “Iowa” mean?
The word “Iowa” means a Native American people originally from the region that is now the U.S. state of Iowa, or a member of this people. In plain terms, refers to a Native American people, distinct from the more common use of "Iowa" as the name of a U.S. state.
How do you pronounce “Iowa”?
“Iowa” is pronounced EYE-uh-wuh (/ˈaɪəwə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Iowa” in a sentence?
Here is “Iowa” used in a sentence: “The Iowa people historically lived along the Missouri and Mississippi river valleys.”
What part of speech is “Iowa”?
“Iowa” is a noun.
Where does the word “Iowa” come from?
The word “Iowa” comes from French. From French Aiouez, an early spelling of the tribal name, itself borrowed from a Dakota word meaning roughly "the sleepy ones.".
Is “Iowa” a common word?
“Iowa” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between the Iowa people and the U.S. state of Iowa?
The word Iowa can name a Native American people originally from the region, or the modern U.S. state that takes its name from them. The state is a place, while the Iowa are an ethnic and cultural group.
Is 'Iowa' the same as 'Ioway'?
Yes, Ioway is an alternative spelling used for the Iowa people. Both refer to the same Native American group and appear interchangeably in historical and cultural writing.
Should 'Iowa' always be capitalised?
Yes, Iowa is a proper noun whether it refers to the people or the state, so it is always written with a capital I.
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