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Glite Dictionary
Sacajawea

Sacajawea

1 9.9
A Shoshone woman who helped guide and translate for the Lewis and Clark expedition across the western United States
  • proper noun
  • /ˌsækəˈdʒuːə/
: Sacajawea
  • As you read, think about how Sacajawea's perspective on the journey differed from that of Captains Lewis and Clark.
  • Sacajawea dollar
  • the wilderness guide Sacajawea

Examples

  • Michaela gritted her teeth against the pain and thought about Sacajawea, who led Lewis and Clark up the Missouri River, cooking, paddling, guiding, all while carrying her newborn infant.

  • Sacajawea carried a baby on her back all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

    Renegade Force (1998)

  • Sacajawea by Joseph Bruchac includes a map of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

    Academic text (2014)

  • In the minting of the Sacajawea coin, for example, the model was a Shoshone-Bannock, not a Lemhi.

    Academic text (2000)

  • "I wept for joy when I found out that Sacajawea was going to be on the coin," one Lemhi said, "but now I weep because she's being misrepresented."

    Academic text (2000)

  • In this painting by N.C. Wyeth, Sacajawea points the way for Capt. Clark and Capt. Lewis.

Surface Forms

Sacajawea main

Etymology

Sacajawea is a Native American name from the Shoshone and Hidatsa area and is often said to mean 'bird woman'. A helpful way to remember her is to imagine a bird leading the way, because she really did guide and interpret for Lewis and Clark, so the name fits her role.