# Sami

/ˈsæmi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sami
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a person from the indigenous group that lives in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. They have their own unique culture and languages, and many are known for reindeer herding.

For teachers: a member of the indigenous Finno-Ugric people inhabiting Sápmi, which encompasses large northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Refers to both the people and their collective identity.

## Examples

- The Sami people have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years.
- During the winter festival, we learned about Sami traditions and the importance of reindeer to their way of life.
- Modern Sami political movements have successfully advocated for the establishment of their own parliaments to protect their linguistic rights and traditional land use against industrial expansion.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the Lapps" but "the Sami" — The term 'Lapp' is now considered derogatory by many Sami people; 'Sami' is the respectful and preferred name.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the people as a group, it is often used as a collective noun ('the Sami') or as a modifier ('Sami culture').

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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.