- 1
Native to a land, especially before colonization.not-comparable
- The Aboriginals were indigenous to Victoria before the World War.
- 2
Native to a land, especially before colonization.; In particular, of or relating to a people (or their language or culture) that inhabited a region prior to the arrival of people of other cultures which became dominant (e.g., through colonialism), and which maintains a distinct culture.not-comparable
- The Ainu are the indigenous ethnic group of Japan's Hokkaido Island.
- 3
Innate, inborn.not-comparable
- She was a native and essential cook, as much as Aunt Chloe,—cooking being an indigenous talent of the African race.
- He had all the tricks of a newspaper boy indigenous in him.
- 4
Original to a geographical area.not-comparable
- That style of pottery is indigenous to that region.
syn. aboriginal · autochthonous · local · natural