Wampanoag

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A Native American people originally inhabiting the southeastern region of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, known for their early interactions with Pilgrims in the 17th century ; The indigenous tribe recognized for their role in early colonial history and participation in the first Thanksgiving celebration ; A culturally distinct group of Native Americans from the northeastern United States, historically significant for their language, traditions, and alliance with early European settlers
  2. An indigenous community native to parts of present-day Massachusetts and Rhode Island, noted for their historical alliance with early European colonists ; A Native American tribe historically residing in eastern New England, involved in early colonial events and treaties ; The people of an Algonquian-speaking tribal nation known for their rich cultural heritage and early contact with English settlers
  3. An original Native American nation from the coastal areas of southern New England with a legacy tied to early American colonial history ; The tribe famous for their 17th-century interactions and cooperation with English Pilgrims during the founding of Plymouth Colony ; A group of indigenous inhabitants distinguished by their traditional customs, language, and early diplomatic relations with European colonizers

Etymology: The name comes from Massachusett "Wôpanâak," a term that the Wampanoag language community of southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and nearby areas used for themselves. Its literal sense is usually given as "people of the dawn" or "easterners," since the root "wôpan" relates to the east and to the first light of morning. The name was one of several that the Massachusett and neighboring peoples used to distinguish themselves from others in the region. Massachusett was the language of the Massachusett people and was closely related to the Wampanoag language, which is why the word passed between the two. When English colonists began writing the name down, they recorded it in many spellings, and the form "Wampanoag" became the standard English version. The people themselves still use the name today.