Nahuatl

noun

Na·​huatl ˈnä-ˌwä-tᵊl How to pronounce Nahuatl (audio)
: a group of closely related Uto-Aztecan languages that includes the speech of several peoples (such as the Aztecs) of central and southern Mexico and Central America
Nahuatlan
nä-ˈwät-lən How to pronounce Nahuatl (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of Nahuatl 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.
During the first half of the 20th century, the poinsettia was popular but true to its Nahuatl name, an easily withering plant. — Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024 Brazilians primarily speak Portuguese, and millions of people in Latin America speak Indigenous languages, such as Nahuatl, K'iche' and Quechua. — Gina Lee Castro, Journal Sentinel, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish náhuatl, from Nahuatl Nāhuatl

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Nahuatl was in 1876

Rhymes for Nahuatl

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Nahuatl
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Cite this Entry

“Nahuatl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Nahuatl. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Nahuatl

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