Cherokee Nation® Dictionary
Language swap out
When you first download the app, you can choose to access it in Cherokee or English. To change the language later, open the menu on the top left of your screen and change your preference using the toggle.
Search
Enter a word in the Search field in English, Practical phonetics, or Syllabary. Tap the search icon, and a matched entry will display.
Description
Under Description, you will see comprehensive information about your word, including syllabary, grammar, translation, and a narrated illustrative sentence for context.
Pronunciation
Tap Pronunciation to see phonetic pronunciations of your word. Tap information to understand the different formats.
Explore
When you want to learn more, tap Explore to see words related in meaning.
On Home Page:
Home
Access the Home Page at any time through the menu on the top left of your screen, or by tapping Home in the floating menu at the bottom of your screen.
Word of the Day
Enjoy your Cherokee language journey with our Word of the Day.
Search History
Tap the filter icon to revisit your most recent searches quickly.
In word entry:
Audio
Tap Audio to hear your word read aloud. If shaded, a recording is not yet available.
Favorite
Tap Favorite to save the word to your personal Favorites list.
Share
Tap Share to share the entry with friends, family, or fellow learners via your preferred messaging platform.
Copy
Tap Copy to quickly copy the Headword to your clipboard for easy sharing or note-taking.
Illustrative Sentences
These sentences are included to provide context; they will include either your selected word or a related form e.g. the plural, or a different verb form.
Variant
This section lists spelling variants for the word (if there are any). Including them here allows users to search using the spelling they are familiar with. It will be extended over time.
In menu at bottom of screen:
Glossary
Tap Glossary to scroll through all entries. Tap a line to jump to the entry.
Syllabary
Tap Syllabary to access the interactive Syllabary Chart.
Cherokee AI
Tap Ask AI to ask questions of the Cherokee Language Department’s knowledge base. Note that on first use, you may need to refresh (exit and return) if this does not activate.
Feedback
Tap Feedback to complete and submit a feedback form for review by the Cherokee Language Department.
In menu at top left:
Home
Go to the home page.
Favorites
Tap Favorites to view your saved words.
Grammar
Explore the structure of the Cherokee language in 'Outline of Cherokee Grammar' by Durbin Feeling.
Learning Program
Explore 'We are learning Cherokee' by the Cherokee Nation Education Services.
Speakers
Read about our esteemed speakers here. You can also access this information from each illustrative sentence.
Support
You're here now! Tap Support to read this guide and read Credits and Acknowledgements.
ᎣᏏᏲ Osiyo, welcome to the Cherokee Nation Dictionary, a resource dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the Cherokee language. The Cherokee Nation Dictionary is a groundbreaking digital resource designed to support the language learning needs of learners, speakers, and scholars of the Cherokee language.
This first release of the Cherokee Nation Dictionary is dedicated to the content developed by Durbin Feeling and associates for the ᏣᎳᎩ - ᏲᏁᎦ ᏗᏕᏠᏆᏍᏙᏗ Cherokee-English Dictionary 1975. Credits for this work are:
Author: Durbin Feeling
Edited by: William Pulte Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas. In collaboration with Agnes Cowen Dictionary Project Coordinator; and The Dictionary Committee of Charles Sanders, Chairman; Sam Hair; Annie Meigs; Anna Gritts; and Kilpatrick Smith.
Copyright: Cherokee Nation 1975.
This initial focus continues the legacy of Durbin Feeling's lifelong dedication to language revitalization.
Our vision is to create a dynamic resource that continually expands the language corpus, adding meaning and context to current listings, introducing multiple new entries, and utilizing digital tools and media to promote fluency in the Cherokee language. Further credits will be included here as the resource is expanded.
In bringing this work into the modern digital era to empower future generations the Cherokee Nation is grateful for the dedication and commitment of the Cherokee Nation Language Department led by Howard Paden.
Music by: Agalisiga Mackey.
Production by: Kiwa Digital Ltd, Indigenous-owned software developer based in Aotearoa New Zealand, www.kiwadigital.com
Additional credits: Cherokee Phoenix, The Oklahoman (as cited)
Copyright: Cherokee Nation 2025
All rights reserved