the Iroquoian language spoken by the Cherokee
"The elderly man spoke to his grandson in Cherokee, an Iroquoian language that preserves ancient traditions."
a member of an Iroquoian people formerly living in the Appalachian Mountains but now chiefly in Oklahoma
"The Cherokee community has been thriving in their new capital of Tahlequah, Oklahoma."
A member of this people.
"The Cherokee council gathered to discuss land rights."
An indigenous North American people.
"The Cherokee are an indigenous North American people with a rich history in the southeastern United States."
The word Cherokee likely comes directly from the tribe's own name, ᏣᎳᎩ. However, some scholars suggest it may have originated as an outside description by neighboring Choctaw and Creek peoples referring to them as "people who live in caves" or those speaking a different language.