DictionaryAI

indigenous

adjective
USin-DIJ-uh-nuhs/ɪnˈdɪd͡ʒənəs/UKin-DIJ-i-nuhs/ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/

3 meanings of indigenous

Practice

  1. 1
    first peoplesadjective
    Belonging to a group of people who lived in a land long before settlers arrived and still keep their own culture.

    Like the first families who lived in a valley long before anyone else came, and who still keep their own ways.

    Indigenous communities have lived along this river for thousands of years.

    The country promised to protect the rights of its indigenous peoples.

    UsageOften indigenous people of a place.

    Similarnative, aboriginal

  2. 2
    native to placeadjective
    Growing or living naturally in a place from the earliest times, before other people arrived.

    Like a tree that has always grown wild in one forest, not one that someone planted there.

    The kangaroo is indigenous to Australia.

    Many indigenous plants thrive here without any extra watering.

    UsageOften indigenous to a place.

    Similarnative, endemic

    Oppositeforeign, alien, exotic, introduced

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 3
    adjectiverare
    Part of a person or thing from birth, not learned or added later.
    He had all the tricks of a newspaper boy indigenous in him.
    1883, George MacDonald, “Stephen Archer”

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Origin

From Late Latin indigenus, meaning "native, born in a country." It comes from parts meaning "in" and "give birth to."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts