Taíno
/taˈino/noun
An indigenous group of the Caribbean known for their agricultural practices and resistance to European colonization.
Did you know?The Taíno were among the first indigenous peoples to encounter Christopher Columbus, and their rich cultural practices have influenced Caribbean heritage.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Arawakan
Arawakan
taïnos
“the good people, referring to their community spirit.”
15th Century
Spanish
Taíno
“used by Europeans to describe the indigenous people of the Greater Antilles.”
20th Century
English
Taíno
“adopted into English to reference the indigenous Caribbean culture.”
Modern Era
English
Taíno
“a term representing the resilience and cultural revival of the Taíno people.”