Aboriginal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˌa-bə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl/ ab·orig·i·nal

Meaning & Definition of Aboriginal

Aboriginal (adjective)

  1. being the first or earliest known of its kind present in a region, indigenous, native
  2. of, relating to, or descended from the earliest known inhabitants of a place and especially of a place that was colonized, indigenous; specifically Aboriginalor less commonly aboriginal, of, relating to, or descended from a group of peoples who along with the Torres Strait Islander peoples are the earliest known inhabitants of Australia

Aboriginal (noun)

  1. aborigine
  2. aborigine

Aboriginal (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. belonging to a particular place by birth or origin

    "the aboriginal peoples of northern Alaska are known as Inupiats, which in their language literally means real people"

    similar: autochthonous, born, domestic, endemic, indigenous, native
    related: local, regional, original
    opposite: nonindigenous, nonnative
    near: imported, introduced, transplanted, alien, exotic, foreign, strange, expatriate, immigrant

Aboriginal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a member of the first people to inhabit a region

    "they still speak the language of the region's aboriginals"

    similar: aborigine, autochthon, indigene, native
    opposite: nonnative
    near: alien, foreigner

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Aboriginal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Aboriginal:

autochthonous, born, domestic, endemic, indigenous, native, aborigine, autochthon, indigene

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Aboriginal

Words with the opposite meaning of Aboriginal:

nonindigenous, nonnative

Related Words for Aboriginal

local, regional, original

Near Antonyms of Aboriginal

imported, introduced, transplanted, alien, exotic, foreign, strange, expatriate, immigrant, foreigner

Word Forms of Aboriginal

Inflections: aboriginals

Derived words: aboriginally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Aboriginal

aborigine + -al:1

First known use: 1650

Frequently Asked Questions about Aboriginal

What does "Aboriginal" mean?

"Aboriginal" means being the first or earliest known of its kind present in a region, indigenous, native. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: being the first or earliest known of its kind present in a region, indigenous, native. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Aboriginal"?

Other words for "Aboriginal" include autochthonous, born, domestic, endemic, indigenous, native, aborigine and autochthon. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Aboriginal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Aboriginal"?

There are 12 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Aboriginal". Common alternatives include autochthonous, born, domestic, endemic, indigenous, native, aborigine, autochthon and indigene.

What is the opposite of "Aboriginal"?

Antonyms of "Aboriginal" include nonindigenous and nonnative. Near antonyms include imported, introduced, transplanted and alien.

How do you use "Aboriginal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Aboriginal" in a sentence: "the aboriginal peoples of northern Alaska are known as Inupiats, which in their language literally means real people"; "they still speak the language of the region's aboriginals".

Is "Aboriginal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Aboriginal" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Aboriginal"?

"Aboriginal" is pronounced /ˌa-bə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl/ and divided into syllables as ab·orig·i·nal.

What is the origin of the word "Aboriginal"?

"Aboriginal" comes from aborigine + -al:1. First known use: 1650.