anasazi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Academic/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “anasazi” mean?
A member of an ancient Native American culture that lived in the southwestern United States, particularly known for their cliff dwellings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of an ancient Native American culture that lived in the southwestern United States, particularly known for their cliff dwellings.
Referring to the prehistoric Puebloan culture and its people, artifacts, or architectural ruins, especially in the Four Corners region (circa 100–1600 AD).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally understood in specialist circles in both varieties but is far more likely to be encountered in American English due to the geographical location of the subject.
Connotations
Neutral archaeological/historical term in both, but awareness of potential cultural sensitivity is increasing.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general British English; low but recognisable in American English, especially in the Southwest.
Grammar
How to Use “anasazi” in a Sentence
the AnasaziAnasazi + noun (culture, ruins, etc.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anasazi” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum acquired an Anasazi bowl for its collection.
American English
- We hiked to see the Anasazi cliff dwellings at Bandelier.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, archaeology, and history papers discussing the pre-Columbian Southwest.
Everyday
Very rare, except in regional tourism or educational contexts (e.g., visiting Mesa Verde).
Technical
The standard term in archaeological literature, though sometimes replaced by 'ancestral Puebloans'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anasazi”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anasazi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anasazi”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'an anasazi' instead of 'an Anasazi person').
- Misspelling (e.g., Annasazi, Anasasi).
- Pronouncing it with a /z/ sound in the middle (it's /s/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a Navajo word often translated as 'ancient enemies' or 'enemy ancestors'. Due to this potentially offensive connotation, many scholars now use 'Ancestral Puebloans'.
Their culture flourished from approximately 100 AD to 1600 AD, with the classic period of great cliff dwellings being around 1100-1300 AD.
They didn't disappear but migrated and their culture evolved. Major centres were abandoned likely due to prolonged drought, environmental strain, and social changes. Their descendants are the modern Pueblo peoples.
Famous sites include Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon in the US Southwest (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah).
A member of an ancient Native American culture that lived in the southwestern United States, particularly known for their cliff dwellings.
Anasazi is usually technical/academic/specialist in register.
Anasazi: in British English it is pronounced /ˌænəˈsɑːzi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænəˈsɑːzi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ancient Arizona site: 'AN Ancient SAvory ZIgurat' suggests old, impressive structures.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST AS A MYSTERY/ABANDONMENT (e.g., 'the mysterious disappearance of the Anasazi').
Practice
Quiz
In which modern-day country is Anasazi archaeology NOT primarily located?