Chukchi

noun

Chuk·​chi ˈchu̇k-ˌchē How to pronounce Chukchi (audio)
plural Chukchi or Chukchis
1
: a member of a Siberian people inhabiting the Chukchi Peninsula
2
: the language of the Chukchi people

Examples of Chukchi 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 boss of an electric company in Kotzebue, Atkinson would rather be there, on the freezing edge of the Chukchi Sea. — Michael Copley, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025 In fact, across western portions of Europe and Africa, the moon will set while in total eclipse, while for those living in New Zealand, as well as those hearty denizens who occupy the Chukchi and Kamchatka Peninsulas of eastern Siberia, the moon will rise on their Friday evening, during totality. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Russian chukcha (plural chukchi), probably ultimately from Chukchi čavčəv reindeer breeder

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Chukchi was in 1780

Browse Nearby Words

chukar
Chukchi
Chukchi Peninsula
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chukchi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chukchi. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Chukchi

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Chukchi

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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