cherokee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (in historical, anthropological, political contexts); Neutral (in general cultural reference).
Quick answer
What does “cherokee” mean?
A member of a Native American people originally inhabiting the southeastern United States, or their Iroquoian language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a Native American people originally inhabiting the southeastern United States, or their Iroquoian language.
Refers to the Cherokee people, their culture, history, language, or the federally recognized Cherokee Nation and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Also used attributively (e.g., Cherokee art, Cherokee traditions).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though the historical and political context is more immediately relevant in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of a specific cultural heritage, history of forced removal (Trail of Tears), and contemporary sovereignty.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to domestic history and geography.
Grammar
How to Use “cherokee” in a Sentence
member of the Cherokeespeak Cherokeeidentify as Cherokeetrace ancestry to the CherokeeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cherokee” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum holds several significant Cherokee artefacts.
- She is studying Cherokee linguistic patterns.
American English
- He is a Cherokee artist renowned for his basketry.
- The Cherokee Nation headquarters are in Tahlequah.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like 'Cherokee Nation Businesses.'
Academic
Frequent in history, anthropology, linguistics, and Native American studies.
Everyday
Used in discussions of heritage, history, current events related to tribal affairs.
Technical
Used in legal contexts (treaty rights, sovereignty), demography, linguistic classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cherokee”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cherokee”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cherokee”
- Using 'Cherokee' as an uncapitalized common noun.
- Using it as a generic term for all Native Americans.
- Pronouncing it /tʃəˈroʊ.ki/ (like the vehicle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, attributively (e.g., Cherokee history, Cherokee culture). It is not used predictively ('He is Cherokee' is standard; 'He is Cherokee man' is not). The proper construction is 'He is a Cherokee man' or 'He is Cherokee.'
In American English, most common is /ˈtʃɛr.əˌki/ (CHAIR-uh-kee). The pronunciation /ˌtʃɛr.əˈki/ (chair-uh-KEE) is also accepted. The vehicle brand Jeep Cherokee is often pronounced /ˈtʃɛr.əˌkoʊ/ (CHAIR-uh-koh), which is not correct for the people.
The Cherokee are one distinct people/nation. Today, there are three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.
A writing system invented by Sequoyah in the early 19th century. It is a syllabary, meaning each character represents a syllable (like 'ga,' 'go,' 'gu') rather than a single sound. It enabled rapid literacy among the Cherokee.
A member of a Native American people originally inhabiting the southeastern United States, or their Iroquoian language.
Cherokee is usually formal (in historical, anthropological, political contexts); neutral (in general cultural reference). in register.
Cherokee: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛr.əˈkiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛr.əˌki/ or /ˌtʃɛr.əˈki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Trail of Tears (historical event specific to the Cherokee)”
- “Talking Leaves (reference to Sequoyah's syllabary)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHErokee – CHERished people with a unique syllabic writing system (like a CHEque you can read).
Conceptual Metaphor
A PEOPLE ARE A NATION; A CULTURE IS A LIVING ENTITY; LANGUAGE IS A TOOL FOR SURVIVAL.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Tsalagi'?