noun

Pocahontas

Pocahontas (noun) means Used, often loosely or historically, to refer to a Native American woman, after the historical Powhatan figure Pocahontas. Example: “The painting was labeled simply as a portrait of a pocahontas from the 1700s.”

noun

Used, often loosely or historically, to refer to a Native American woman, after the historical Powhatan figure Pocahontas.

"The painting was labeled simply as a portrait of a pocahontas from the 1700s."

How to use Pocahontas

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRefers to the historical figure Pocahontas, and is sometimes used generically for a Native American woman.

When to use it

Using it as a generic common noun can be seen as reductive or disrespectful; the proper name for the historical person is far more common usage.

Word forms

Pocahontases plural

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The painting was labeled simply as a portrait of a _____ from the 1700s.

Etymology

From the name Pocahontas, a Powhatan name meaning roughly "she is playful."

Synonyms

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Matoaka

Frequently asked questions

What does “Pocahontas” mean?

The word “Pocahontas” means used, often loosely or historically, to refer to a Native American woman, after the historical Powhatan figure Pocahontas. In plain terms, refers to the historical figure Pocahontas, and is sometimes used generically for a Native American woman.

How do you use “Pocahontas” in a sentence?

Here is “Pocahontas” used in a sentence: “The painting was labeled simply as a portrait of a pocahontas from the 1700s.”

What part of speech is “Pocahontas”?

“Pocahontas” is a noun.

What is the meaning of Pocahontas?

"Pocahontas" (noun) means used, often loosely or historically, to refer to a Native American woman, after the historical Powhatan figure Pocahontas.