navajo

Everyday

1. A Native American people of the south-western USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah), who call themselves the Diné. tree →
2. Their language, Navajo, which is still spoken today. tree →
3. (adjective) To do with the Navajo people, as in Navajo weaving. tree →

In the lessons

Used in US history, geography and social studies: the Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation by land. In the Second World War, Navajo Code Talkers used their language to send secret messages the enemy could not break. Navajo weaving and silver jewellery are famous.

Examples

• The Navajo Nation spreads across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. tree →
• Navajo Code Talkers helped the USA in the Second World War. tree →
• Many Navajo people still speak the Navajo language. tree →
• We looked at Navajo weaving in the museum. tree →
• The Navajo call themselves the Diné, meaning "the people". tree →
• Monument Valley lies on Navajo land. tree →
• The Long Walk of 1864 forced thousands of Navajo from their homeland. tree →

Note

Always a capital N. Also spelled "Navaho" in older books. Plural "Navajo" or "Navajos". Pronounced "NAV-uh-ho" (the "j" sounds like "h").