# Aborigine

/ˌæbɝˈɪdʒəni/ (US) · /ˌæbəɹˈɪdʒənˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aborigine
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who is a member of the original population of Australia. It is an older word that some people find offensive today.

For teachers: a member of the indigenous population of Australia. Often considered dated or offensive in modern contexts; the term 'Indigenous Australian' is now the preferred standard.

## Examples

- The aborigine shared stories of his ancestors with the visitors.
- The museum features a collection of tools used by the aborigine for thousands of years before European settlement.
- While the term aborigine was once standard in academic and legal discourse, it has largely been replaced by the more respectful and inclusive designation of Indigenous Australian.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.