Yankton

noun

Yank·​ton ˈyaŋk-tən How to pronounce Yankton (audio)
1
plural Yankton or Yanktons : a member of a Dakota people of the upper Midwestern United States

Note: The Yankton Sioux and Yanktonai Sioux are distinctly recognized tribes that are also collectively known as Yankton Sioux.

2
: a dialect of Dakota spoken by the Yankton people

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Dakota ihą́ktʰųwą, a Yankton self-designation, literally, "village on the end," from ihą́ke "on the end" + tʰųwą́ "village"; the reason for the name is uncertain

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Yankton was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near Yankton

Yankee machine

Yankton

Yanktonai

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Yankton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Yankton. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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