Canadians

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of individuals who are citizens or residents of Canada, sharing a national identity and culture
2. People hailing from the country located in North America, characterized by a diverse society and distinct traditions
3. Citizens or inhabitants of Canada, recognized for their multicultural background and contributions to global society

Etymology: Canadians is the plural of "Canadian," and the story of the name behind it is a good deal less settled than the country's. The name "Canada" comes from the Laurentian word "kanata," meaning "village" or "settlement," which French explorers heard from St. Lawrence Iroquoians and applied to the region around the settlement at Stadacona, now Quebec City. From there, the French name "Canada" spread to the wider territory, and English later adopted it. The word "Canadian" is simply "Canada" with the suffix "-ian," a common English ending that forms adjectives and nouns meaning "belonging to" or "associated with" a place or group. Once the country name existed, the derivation was straightforward, and the plural "Canadians" follows the usual pattern for people-nouns.

Synonyms: Canucks, maple leafs