Chichimec

noun

Chi·​chi·​mec

ˈchēchəˌmek

variants or Chichimeca

ˌ⸗⸗ˈmākə

or Chichimeco

-ˈmā(ˌ)kō

plural Chichimec or Chichimecs or Chichimeca or Chichimecas or Chichimeco or Chichimecos

1

a

: any one of the Nahuatlan peoples in Mexico before the rise of the Aztec empire

b

: a warlike people of northern Mexico

c

: a member of any such people

2

: the language of the Chichimec people

Chichimecan

¦⸗⸗¦mākən

-mek-

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Spanish chichimeca, from Nahuatl chichimecatl

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now