Yakama

noun

Yak·​a·​ma ˈya-kə-ˌmȯ How to pronounce Yakama (audio)
variants or Yakima
plural Yakama or Yakamas or Yakima or Yakimas
1
: a member of a group of Sahaptin peoples of the lower Yakima River valley, south central Washington
2
: the language of the Yakama people

Examples of Yakama 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.
Aaron Whitefoot, a local elk hunter and enrolled Yakama tribal member, seemed to be leading the controversy on social media. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025 Eventually, Loni moved in with Benita's family on the reservation of the Yakama Nation in Washington, where Benita became more than just a cousin. — Nick McMillan, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier Eyakima, the Yakima River, Yakamas, perhaps from Sahaptin iyakíma, literally, pregnant ones

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Yakama was in 1838

Rhymes for Yakama

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Browse Nearby Words

Yaka
Yakama
yakamik
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Cite this Entry

“Yakama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Yakama. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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