noun
squaw
skwaw
Squaw (noun) means an old term for a woman or wife, historically used especially for Native American women; now widely considered offensive. Example: “The word appears in early colonial writings from the 1620s.”
noun
1
An old term for a woman or wife, historically used especially for Native American women; now widely considered offensive.
"The word appears in early colonial writings from the 1620s."
How to use squaw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn outdated and now offensive word for a woman, historically applied to Native American women.
When to use it
Considered a slur today; avoid using it — many place names containing it have been renamed for this reason.
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Word forms
- Plural
- squaws
Etymology
From Massachusett squàw ("woman"), part of the Algonquian language family. A later claim that the word originally meant something vulgar has been thoroughly debunked by linguists.
Frequently asked questions
What does “squaw” mean?
The word “squaw” means an old term for a woman or wife, historically used especially for Native American women; now widely considered offensive. In plain terms, an outdated and now offensive word for a woman, historically applied to Native American women.
How do you pronounce “squaw”?
“Squaw” is pronounced skwaw (/skwɔː/ in IPA).
How do you use “squaw” in a sentence?
Here is “squaw” used in a sentence: “The word appears in early colonial writings from the 1620s.”
What part of speech is “squaw”?
“Squaw” is a noun.
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