Apache

noun

ə-ˈpa-chē How to pronounce Apache (audio)
in sense 3
ə-ˈpash How to pronounce Apache (audio)
plural Apache or Apaches ə-ˈpa-chēz How to pronounce Apache (audio)
-ˈpash, 
-ˈpa-shəz
1
: a member of a group of Indigenous peoples of the southwestern U.S.
2
: any of the Athabascan languages of the Apache people
3
apache [French, from Apache "Apache"]
a
: a member of a gang of criminals especially in Paris
b
: ruffian
Apachean
ə-ˈpa-chē-ən How to pronounce Apache (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of Apache 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.
Qatar scrambled F-15QAs and AH-64E Apache helicopter gunships to search for any incoming drones. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 According to a Facebook post from the San Carlos Apache Police Department, once the department became aware of the incident, an internal review was initiated. — Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 In the 1930s, there was Archibald Belaney, an Englishman who transformed himself into Grey Owl, a half-Apache born in Mexico to a Scottish father and an Apache mother. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 The Apache attack helicopter has been a core part of Army aviation since the first one was delivered in 1984. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Apache

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, perhaps from Zuni ʔa·paču Navajo, Apachean

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Apache was in 1703

Rhymes for Apache

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Browse Nearby Words

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Apache
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Cite this Entry

“Apache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Apache. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Apache

noun
ə-ˈpach-ē How to pronounce Apache (audio)
plural Apache or Apaches
: a member of a group of Indigenous peoples of the southwestern U.S.
also : any of the languages of the Apache people

More from Merriam-Webster on Apache

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Apache

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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