Chumash

noun

Chu·​mash ˈchü-ˌmash How to pronounce Chumash (audio)
1
plural Chumash : a member of an Indigenous people of southwestern California
2
: the family of languages spoken by the Chumash people

Examples of Chumash in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, off California’s rugged Central Coast, represents nearly all of the newly conserved waters. Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 The sprawling hotel sits atop the former Chumash village of Hel’apunitse at the mouth of Tecolote Canyon, withHaskell's Beach, a renowned surf break, below it. Carole Dixon, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2025 While the human presence on the islands by the Chumash Indians dates back some 13,000 years, Santa Cruz provided grazing for both cattle and sheep in more recent history. Paul Bersebach, Oc Register, 4 June 2025 Bring Your…Love of History The native Chumash thrived on Santa Cruz for 10,000 years, developing a society that was based on trade and a shell bead currency. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Chumash

Word History

Etymology

from Tcú-mac, name in a coastal Chumash language for the inhabitants of Santa Rosa Island

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Chumash was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Chumash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chumash. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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