Paleo-Indian

noun

Pa·​leo-In·​di·​an ˌpā-lē-ō-ˈin-dē-ən How to pronounce Paleo-Indian (audio)
especially British ˌpa-
: one of the early American hunting people of Asian origin extant in the Late Pleistocene
Paleo-Indian adjective

Examples of Paleo-Indian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center says the animals have played an integral role in the state's history and ecology and served as a staple food source for people living in the region as far back as the Paleo-Indian period. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026 Colorado is rich with prehistoric artifacts and culture stemming from the Paleo-Indian people of the southwest United States. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2025 The area was the site of early Paleo-Indian activity, involving the Timucua people, and also provided shelter for Spanish sailors in the 18th century. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

paleo- + indian

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Paleo-Indian was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paleo-Indian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Paleo-Indian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster