malamute

Where does the word "malamute" come from? It comes from Inupiat Mahlemut, and was adopted directly into English (1800s-1900s).

Malamute’s story begins in Inupiat: Mahlemut meant “the Mahlemut people.” The name of an Alaska Native people known for their sled dogs. It reached English by 1800s-1900s as malamute. Adopted for the sled dog breed developed by the Mahlemut people. Today, malamute means a large, powerful Arctic sled dog breed.

1. Stage 1 · Inupiat · ancient Mahlemut "the Mahlemut people", the name of an Alaska Native people known for their sled dogs.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s-1900s malamute "a large Arctic sled dog breed", adopted for the sled dog breed developed by the Mahlemut people.