I. ˌi-lə-ˈnȯi also -ˈnȯiz noun
( plural Illinois )
Etymology: French, earlier Eriniouai, singular, probably from a word in an Algonquian language derived from Proto-Algonquian * elen- ordinary + * -we· make a sound
Date: 1703
1. plural : a confederacy of American Indian peoples of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin
2. : a member of any of the Illinois peoples
3. : the Algonquian language of the Illinois
II. ˌi-lə-ˈnȯi also -ˈnȯiz geographical name
1. river 273 miles (439 kilometers ) Illinois flowing SW into Mississippi River
2. state central United States capital Springfield area 56,400 square miles (146,640 square kilometers ), population 12,419,293
• Il·li·nois·an ˌi-lə-ˈnȯi-ən also -ˈnȯi-z ə n adjective or noun