Dakotas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A geographical region in North America consisting of the states of North Dakota and South Dakota
2. Representing a Native American group and their cultural heritage primarily found in the northern Great Plains
3. Referring to the two U.S. states known for their rich history, diverse landscapes, and significant indigenous populations

Etymology: The plural "dakotas" is simply the plural of "Dakota," the name of a Siouan-speaking people of the northern Great Plains. The name comes from the Dakota word "dakhóta," meaning "ally" or "friend," and it was the self-designation of the people, who spoke of themselves as a confederacy of allied bands. The people were known to outsiders by many names, and "Dakota" became the standard term that English speakers adopted for them. It is worth noticing that the name is a statement of relationship rather than a label for a place: it describes how the group understood its own bonds with one another. Because the word names the people, the plural "dakotas" is used when referring to more than one member of the group or to several distinct Dakota communities. The same name later gave rise to the names of the two U.S. states, North Dakota and South Dakota.