Aborigine
Pronunciation
- US IPA: /ˌæb.əˈɹɪdʒ.ə.ni/, /ˌæb.əˈɹɪdʒ.ɪ.ni/
Origin
Back-formation from {{3}}
Full definition of aborigine
Noun
aborigine
(countable and uncountable; plural aborigines)- An native inhabitant of a country; a member of the original people. First attested in the early 19th century.
Usage notes
Should be capitalized in Australian contexts.
Fowler's 3rd edition considers this singular to be "etymologically indefensible" notwithstanding its having become the established form in Australia since 1829. This is in reference to its inflection from 'Aborigines', not actually originally an S-addition pluralization (see Aborigine/Aborigines/Aboriginal entries in Oxford Dictionary).