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

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 notes

In plain EnglishAn outdated and now offensive word for a woman, historically applied to Native American women.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.

Word forms

squaws plural

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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 In plain terms, an outdated and now offensive word for a woman, historically applied to Native American women.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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Vocabulary lists that include squaw:

Words that end with W