noun
native
NAY-tihv
noun
1
Someone who was born in a particular place.
"As a native of New Orleans, she knew all the best spots for gumbo."
"He's a native of rural Wales but has lived in London for years."
adj
1
Belonging to a place by birth or original origin, rather than having moved there or been introduced.
"The oak is native to much of Europe and North America."
2
Present or built into something from the start, rather than added on later — often used of skills or abilities.
"She has a native talent for languages that she never had to work hard at."
How to Use Native
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelonging somewhere from birth or from the start — used for people, plants, animals, and even natural-seeming abilities.
When to use it
Using "native" alone to describe an indigenous person (e.g., "the natives") can sound outdated or loaded; "Indigenous" or naming the specific people/nation is now generally preferred.
Common pairings
native speaker
native to the region
native language
a native of
Word Forms
natives plural, Natives plural
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As a _____ of New Orleans, she knew all the best spots for gumbo.
Etymology
From Old French natif, from Latin nātīvus, "born, natural," from nātus, "born."