Aztec

noun

Az·​tec ˈaz-ˌtek 

1

a

: a member of a Nahuatl-speaking people that founded the Mexican empire conquered by Cortes in 1519

b

: a member of any people under Aztec influence

2

: nahuatl

Aztecan

ˈaz-ˌte-kən 

ˌaz-ˈte-

adjective

Examples of Aztec in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pyramids in Mesoamerica, such as those built by the Maya, Aztec and Teotihuacán civilizations, were monumental structures often used for religious and ceremonial purposes. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Zoom in: Aztec Bowl opened in 1936 and was home to SDSU's football team, but is best known as the site of a 1963 speech by President John F. Kennedy. —Andrew Keatts, Axios, 22 Nov. 2024

The feathered headdress once worn by Aztec emperor Moctezuma II resides in Vienna. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024

The musical features music and lyrics by Joy Huerta, of the pop duo Jesse & Joy, and Benjamin Velez (Kiss My Aztec), with music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish azteca, from Nahuatl aztēcah, plural of aztēcatl

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

Aztec

noun

Az·​tec ˈaz-ˌtek 

: a member of an Indigenous people that ruled a large empire in Mexico in the 15th-16th centuries